It’s all about US

by Luanne Cathey, Hamilton

Our United States began as an experiment in “US-ness.” We, the people, thought we could live together in a country respecting “inalienable rights” of every person. We are One People in many different shapes, colors, and sizes. We are diverse in our cultures, education and training, and beliefs, yet we breathe the same air; we love, we share ideas, hopes for a future, humanity.

We wanted to create a more perfect Union – a US – complete with life, liberty, and justice for all. But what about old people; or the infirm; or those who cannot “contribute;” the poor; those who are “different”? What if they have mental health issues, or if they are homeless, or deformed, or of a different nationality? What about the other beings who share our air, water, and earth; the beings who live in the air, the water and the earth? Many give their lives that we may live. Do they deserve love, life, liberty, and justice? 

We are all sharing this life together – in this time and in this place. It’s all about US! It’s time to encourage creative ideas and conversations, respecting differences, appreciating the beauty all the different flowers and plants add to the garden of Life. “Other cultures are not failed attempts at being you; they are unique creative manifestations of the human spirit.” (Wade Davis)

Indigenous voices are teaching us how to re-connect with Mother Earth and what is real. “The Abrahamic Reunion” is working to reunite the dysfunctional families from the faith traditions of Father Abraham; the Jewish/Hebrew and Christian/Catholic (from his son Isaac); and the Muslim/Islamic (from his son Ishmael). In the Buddhist tradition, the Dalai Lama, Thich Nhat Hanh, S.G. Goenke, Mooji, and many others are teaching US to honor all life, and respect one another.

If we are to continue being US – we need to allow for differences and focus on what is good for all of US! John Lennon said to “Imagine! nothing to kill or die for; a brotherhood of man.” Look at the “fruit” of what we focus on. Political divisiveness cannot unite US. Hatred, judgmentalism, and division lead to killing, death, and war. Is that really what we want to see brought to US as our future?

We can create a world that works for everyone; value what is good, kind, and honest, and see that diversity discloses exquisite beauty! This unveils US as One Nation Under God, each with our own unique understanding. We can live and grow in Love, Harmony and Beauty – respecting and allowing Life, Love and Liberty for All! We are One – experiencing life together! It is all about US!