Others Around You

Your life depends in one way or another to other living creatures and to the protection of the place we live in (that which we call earth). Never do you see a plant fighting a bee off or conspiring with other plants to fight the deer or the cows that may eat them.

We all must be in harmony and at peace with one another and with the world. Living in constant struggle with the world and the people in them can keep you or make you weaker, living at peace and in harmony with the world on the other hand, will inevitably bring you peace, strength and joy.

As we go through life, we must communicate using labels or words that identify us as individual parts of the whole. You may have more than one label (your first and last names, your nationality, you woman, you, young woman, you, young minority woman).

Whatever you are or whatever others call you, must remember that these are names only and do not separate you from the rest. To the world as a whole, you are not American, Hispanic, Asian or African American. You are a human being. You are not man or woman, rich or poor. You are one of the billions of trillions of parts that the Universe has, all created by and from God.

The following suggestions may help you move towards the side of you that feels more connected to the universe and to those who share it with you:

1. Transform any beliefs you may have about others. Get rid of stereotypes or ideas that divide and will create negative energy around you.

2. Make a conscious effort to stop at any thoughts, any words or any behavior that will separate you from others, as you will become separated from yourself.

3. Pay attention the voice inside your head that divides you into what you think you should be and what you still are not, your reality and your dreams, your past and your future.

4. Be kind, gentle and respectful towards others and the environment. Do not abuse or poison it as you will be abusing and poisoning yourself.

5. Trust your honest feelings. Believe in the power of your heart to be non-judgmental, kind and loving towards others, even if your upbringing and background tell you the contrary.

6. Maintain company that will help you accomplish this. Stay away from negative people with negative ideas. Good company includes pets, plants, flowers and things as well as people.

7. Make an effort to be with yourself on a regular basis. It is the best way to connect and reconnect with your own self and the energy force that created you.

Care for the world as much as or even more than you care for yourself. Do things that will benefit the environment, the animals and your neighbors.