According to Aristotle, a human being “is by nature a social animal. Society is something that precedes the individual.” This basic philosophical principle manifests in many ways throughout our lives.
Humankind has survived – and even thrived – because we live together. At the most fundamental level, we begin as an embryo wholly dependent upon our mothers until we are born. After birth we are free to move and think independently, but we develop interdependent relationships with other people who provide food, education, safety and shelter from storms and predators that might attack us. We enjoy companionship, joy and love with friends and family as we nurture each other’s lives and explore life’s beauty and wonder together.
As we discover mutual connections with other people, we build healthy relationships as friends, families, businesses and communities. Indeed we may find that feelings of love and fidelity bind us so closely with one another that our consciousness evolves from seeing ourselves as separate people, being “you and I,” to being united as “we.” There is a synergy of two people being greater joined together as “we” than remaining as separate individuals.
Once our consciousness moves from separation to unity with another human being, the process can continue until we realize that we are one with all people and with all creation! In reality, we are looking back towards the One Source that has created all of life. We are each an individualized and unique expression of the One Spirit. There is no separation except in our minds and perception. The “rugged individualist” is still a part of the One Life and integrally connected with each and every person on the planet. You and I are always We. Whatever we do to another person, we are doing to ourselves.
How does knowing this change how we treat each other? Our family relationships become treasured intimate connections with a part of the One and with ourselves. Similarly, our relationships with friends, co-workers, people who provide our food and essential needs, and those who buy whatever it is that we produce, are all exchanges with another part of ourselves, another part of the One. You and I live our best lives as we.
Love and light,
Rev. Pam
