What stands between us is only words

I'm damn proud of you people.

Maybe I don't say it enough. Definitely I don't say it enough. But it's true.

We may have different opinions, you and I. We may see life from two different points of view. But that doesn't matter. What matters is, you're an amazing person.

It's easy to get bogged down in politics, religion, ideology, etc. There's something in our crocodile mind that identifies ourselves with "truth" and perceives everything else as a threat. And yet what separates us is only words, only ideas. We have much more in common than we ever could have apart.

The way to overcome these barriers is through human communication. Face-to-face if possible, over the telephone or the internet if necessary. Seeing each other, hearing each others' voice, has a way of easing our fears. Of reminding us that we are all just human beings, each of us with an intricate life, dealing with challenges as best we can.

When we talk to each other, when we see each other, when we touch each other, I do not need to understand you, and you do not need to understand me. We only need to be in each other's presence, to accept one another, to spend time together. Then our monkey minds, always racing with thoughts and fears, is quieted. For isn't rejection our greatest fear? And if we're sitting together, then we are not being rejected.

So when I think of my family and my friends, this is what I think: I'm proud of you. You are amazing people. I learn from each of you. We may not always agree, and that's natural. That's to be expected. But let's not let it stand in the way of appreciating each other, just as we are.