People often say there is much division and conflict in today’s world, but I would counter that this is only a surface-level illusion. Yes, people can have serious disagreements, and their points of view can appear as polar opposites. Sometimes, believing these illusions can lead to severe consequences, including oppression, violence, and war. In these cases, people defend what they believe as the truth, but they fail to see the greater truth of
humanity’s ultimate oneness. If only we could realize this, our world and the planet could finally heal.
No matter how it may seem, we humans have more in common than we have differences. Yes, we have our
own uniqueness, and much cultural variety has developed over the centuries. We appear different, too, with varying colors of skin, hair textures, and body shapes. But science tells us that these are only surface-level details and that all humanity shares 99.9% of the same genes. The same might be said of our psychology—most people want the same things out of life. We want to live comfortably, have a sense of meaning in our lives, and feel loved and accepted by our social group.
How can we begin to see beyond these apparent divisions? I have often encouraged my students to see themselves as
Earth Humans above and beyond all other identities because this is our only definite identity. After all, when you look at a picture of Earth from space, what do you see? Do you see borders and distinct countries divided from one another? No, all you will see is a big blue ball with vast oceans and huge land masses, with no borders and no nation’s names written on them. Yet, we tend to think of ourselves as a particular nationality separate from others. By switching to “
Earth Human” as our main identity, we can begin to see beyond historical resentments, and we will be better equipped to face global problems, such as global warming, pandemic health issues, and the widespread effects of technology on human cultures and individuals.
Unfortunately, the truth of our interconnectedness is of little value if individuals are unwilling to commit to this oneness as the ultimate, underlying value system that guides their lives. Since the world often feeds our sense of separation and emphasizes our differences. So, how can we start to change our own mindset and cultivate a sense of oneness? This begins with a commitment to the idea of oneness and dedication to our own personal growth. Here is what I would suggest as an ongoing practice for oneness.
First, recognize the common ground between yourself and anyone in your life or the world, even if you strongly disagree with their beliefs or actions. This does not mean that you cannot speak up about or take action against wrongdoing, bigoted attitudes, or dishonesty. But, acknowledging common ground can help you avoid seeing other people as soulless villains who deserve harsh comeuppance. The reality is that they do have a soul, and it is just as precious and perfect as yours. No matter how it may appear, they are on a journey toward completion, too, regardless of where they are on that journey. See them as members of the greater Earth Human family, not as enemies. As I mentioned earlier, we humans have many of the same needs and motivations in life, so use that to see your
common humanity. Ask yourself, “What are they feeling to make them act this way? What is lacking in their lives? How would I feel under the same circumstances?” Through this sort of self-dialogue, we can build our empathy and sense of oneness with them.
Second, develop your energy sensitivities. This, of course, is the primary focus of my educational programs, and it is for much more than just personal health and well-being. Understanding energy is also the key to creating more healthy cultures and a healthier world. On the energetic level, our interconnectedness is a definite reality, not just a philosophical concept. That which affects one affects all. The illusion of separateness is fed by over-dependence on our five senses of sight, sound, touch, smell, and hearing. Through the development of our sixth sense—the ability to feel energy—we develop the ability to go beyond the material appearance of separateness into an energetic and spiritual realm. If you can cultivate this sixth sense, you will directly feel your oneness with your fellow humans, all the earth, and even the cosmos.
Finally, develop a healing attitude instead of a judgment attitude. It is certainly true that people don’t always behave as though they are one with humanity and the earth. On the contrary, they can be selfish, cruel, and highly destructive. But it accomplishes nothing to react to inhumanity with more inhumanity. The judgmental mind holds itself to be higher than and better than that which it criticizes, which deepens the illusion of division even further. Instead, see negative behavior as a
symptom of a disease that needs healing. And, acknowledge that we are all here to heal this disease of separation, both in ourselves and others. If you can allow others this process of healing, you also make great progress in your own healing toward the completion of your soul.