… a world of strength and beauty.
By Chiara Montante
There seems to be no end to the differences that separate us as cultures, societies, races, religions, communities, politics, genders, generations, or status. Celebrating our differences in today’s rare, unchallenging, or cheerful moments seems improbable, but it is still possible. Yet, on most days, those moments are so idealistic that they are scarcely noticed, let alone appreciated for the gifts they could bring to understanding in the complex relational times we’re living in now.
The painful polarization that our world’s ideologies have drifted toward implies and fortifies a stance of This or That, Us or Them, Men or Women, For or Against. Ideas of equality and inclusiveness counter this with a stance that challenges these polarities with That and This, Them and Us, Women and Men, Against and For.
What if there were ways to reimagine and redefine a future that blurred or defied our most preciously held assumptions rather than enhancing the polarities that have separated us and bunkered us down in opposing camps?
What if each and every one of us developed a core appreciation of what each and every one of us could bring to the other? What if we could view opposition as an opportunity to learn from each other and find solutions to our common problems? What if we chose to become alchemists who wove discord into harmony?
I recently had an opportunity to chat with a beautiful, spiritual woman about our common passions, pains, disappointments, and concerns. She is a woman I respect in my community but don’t know as well as I’d like to. Like myself, she deeply feels the injustices we see, not only in our own communities but in every community of the world, and dedicates herself to the service of others, particularly issues concerning women and girls.
Though we acknowledge that we share these same focuses in common, she is a younger woman of color, and I am an older woman of the so-called dominant culture. Even though we share ideals and goals, we are forced to acknowledge the differences, assumptions, and experiences that have defined our individual lives.
As we took our leave of each other, we embraced, and at that moment, I felt a deep stirring within and a certainty that we could learn something of value from each other, help and influence each other, and create something of lasting importance together. I don’t know what that might be just now. I invariably assume it would be related to our ‘common’ interests and concerns. But, there might be something beyond This or That and even beyond This and That.
There might be a Third Way we haven’t imagined yet—a way that is yet to be revealed. An alchemy of ideas and conditions we have yet to consider that would bring us the pleasure and satisfaction of co-creating something of sustaining value.
She and I may never find the right time or opportunity to look more deeply into what we can bring to each other or create together, but I will not ignore the possibility that We Could Weave From Common Threads A World Of Strength And Beauty.
I see this idea as a mantra, a way of life, and a way of being in the world, most hopefully. I also see this as more than a desire. I see this a raison d’etre. And so perhaps in the fullness of time, so shall it be.
This is my prayer.
