March 10th, 2020

Is individualism a necessary antithesis for unity to exist?

In the world of matter, opposites are necessary for existence to exist. Up needs down; in needs out; hot needs cold, and so forth. Therefore it stands to reason that individualism is necessary for unity to exist.

Here is a novel practice to consider: Hit the pause button for a moment and consider the following the next time you are about to make a judgement-call about someone.
Ask yourself, “What triggers me about that person?”

The reality is, if it triggers you - it’s about you!
We are not meant to be alike; we are meant to be individual strands, combined to establish a collective.
Akin to a tapestry made from thousands of strands of silk, we human beings are designed to be individuals in order to fulfill our unique purposes - yet united to form a larger collective purpose.

Separatism, schisms, and biases, are a result of ‘unity’ gone wrong.
Personal opinions and preferences were designed within the framework of homo sapiens in order to evolve as a collective, not as a means to create an ‘us & them’ phobia.
Debate is a platform to establish compassionate discussion, not a throne to rule over the opposition. It exists in order for individuals to consider an alternative view - not to divide and conquer the opponent. 

Sadly we witness the divide and conquer mentality in our lives from primary care-givers, such as governments, on a daily basis.
Perhaps it’s time to shift the biggotory, phobia, and alarmist attitudes that have been portrayed throughout the ages and contemplate the alternatives? 
Why? I will leave it to that wonderful question I have learned here in the USA to answer for me.. Quote, “Well, how’s that working for you?” How is the bigotry, phobia, sexism, alarmist attitudes working for you folks?
These days when I witness the opposite to my views (the bigoted, biased,sexist or racist people) I stop and hit the pause button & ask myself the question “why is it triggering me?”
The answer is disconcerting - the reality is that these opposites exist in all of us (myself included). We as individuals have the choice to support the rights of all individuals to be themselves, even when their views or opinions are not in alignment with our own. 
When I hit the pause button I realize It opens my mind to a world of compassion toward both sides. I feel for the perpetrator and the recipient (because in every case they exist on both sides)…..so in order to let-go of judgement I silently offer metta to both.

Individualism is a necessity for unity - but somewhere along the way our caregivers forgot to teach us the importance of the middle path.  If it opens your eyes to the possibility of a better world, then why not discuss it rather than slam it?Next time you are about to slam someone for ‘being different’ why not go out on a limb and take the test to pause and say “why is that triggering me; who is villian and who is the victim"?
The truth is, we hold both within us, but compassion opens the door to the possibility of change for the better.

Therefore, as individuals we can unite !
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Having undertaken studies for 4 years, and successfully fulfilled the criteria required, Paul is a certified Life Coach, certified Reflexologist, & certified Naturopathic Usui Shiki Ryoho Reiki Therapist, specializing in mindfulness-based practices; He is also a published author of a self-help series of books, and Podcast host of Mindfulness Mondays, currently on (I-tunes & Spotify).
 
Paul offers 1-to-1 in-person services in Virginia USA, as well as Sydney Australia; and Life Coaching services are offered globally through various web platforms.
Individually tailored tools and techniques are shared, to enable clients to develop a state of positive emotional awareness and behavior.
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For Links & more information on Paul Pettit & BMS Click HERE