Our World

Let us divide the world in half.  The East with its lofty spirituality and enlightenment, and to the West economic prosperity.

We find the lack of interest in the material and the squalor of India vs the lack of humanity and the spiritual emptiness of America.

These extremes produce various shades of grey, a reflection of emotional and cognitive dissonance between the two ideals of self vs humanity.  In other words a variety of offshoot cultures abound with different mixes of these opposing ideals.

Both systems of thought produce their slums, their repression, their anger.

Confronted with the opposing culture, there is a perception of threat to one’s way of life.  The conflict begins in the mind, because the values held dear are in conflict.

Sell all you have, give it to the poor and follow me.  These are words that we cannot ignore when the poor are standing at our door.  Some open the door and their hearts.  Others wonder aloud at the lack of industry of such populations, and think first of their own comfort.  They close the door and their hearts.

This is the cognitive dissonance experienced in the western world toward the less fortunate.

The spiritually motivated people’s or cultures heed the divine callings for these words resonate with their mental and emotional self.  Those living in such cultures who do not resonate with such selflessness develop their own dissonance toward the world.  They chafe at the lack of material reward and resent the decadence of the West.

Even within these cultures there is a clash of Will due to the polarity of the material and spiritual ideals.

Most of us recognize that politically, economically and personally we need to strike a balance.  Often what is good for One is good for all.  It is said that a rising tide affects all ships.

A little empathy and charity can go a long way toward mending broken hearts and broken dreams.  A reasonable amount of caution is also a reality.  I think we can find a new balance, find a way to work together, recognizing that every life is worth saving and every mind, every child needs protection.

We have hardened our hearts because the two ideals have become so polarized, the self vs the world, the us vs them.  We are one world.  The reality is, if we try to divide the world, it and we cannot survive.

We are One World One People
We are Whole

Let’s start the healing process and make a change.  The first step starts with you.  Speak peace into the world.  Be an example of righteousness, compassion, grace, Christ in the world.  You may never know how many minds are inspired by your selfless acts. Be the best you can. You can do it!