Unity and Diversity

The theme for this issue is Unity and Diversity.  It feels relevant that these two ideas are linked together and are inclusive, rather than presented as opposites.  So often we are asked to sacrifice our individuality and our own unique ways of being in the world to achieve the goal of unity.  Actually, the word “unity” itself is often synonymous with conformity or sameness.  I think that this is not always deliberate or even conscious but can be a subtle pressure influencing us all from a very young age.  Like so many others, I remember going through grade school watching for clues as to how to behave, how to dress, and how to win the approval of the teacher for coloring within the lines and sitting quietly in my seat.  We learn very early the pain of being “different” and not fitting in.  As an adult, I find that I still tend to curb my natural exuberance, censor my words and refrain from expressing an opinion that contradicts those of the majority.  Most of all though, perhaps like others, I learned to look outside of myself for clues to who I really am.  I used  the opinion of others to define me.

Fortunately, this is a definition of unity that we are leaving behind as we grow and expand to meet the needs of our ever-expanding consciousness.  More and more we are finding unity within diversity, with diversity being the very foundation upon which unity rests.  While the outside world can still bring pressure to conform to the tried and true methods of old – whether of speech, thought, or action, so many of us are working to still our response to that outside voice, and to find and listen to our own voice within.  The internal voice that asks us to be true to ourselves - the voice that challenges us to resist the temptation to compromise our integrity - the voice that encourages us to be all that we are meant to be.  At the same time we are being called upon to value that same voice and uniqueness in others.  With each of us tapping into that part of ourselves that is Truth and is Unique, we tap into the whole, the One - which in the end, contains true unity.

The content for this issue reflects this diversity; a mix of articles from a diverse group of authors, reflecting a wide variety of occupations, professions and interests.  These articles are drawn from writers wishing to express their individual opinions, viewpoints and perspectives.  They are unified, however, in their desire and hopes of helping us to grow and expand our ideas and thinking.  I truly hope you enjoy them.

Pat Lutz
Managing Editor