Craziness, it seems to me, is less when a person has conflicting beliefs, multiple personalities, and a diversity of inward attitudes and views—but more when we don’t realize, hate, or refuse to admit, that we do! I have a hunch, the famous line from Alice in Wonderland, “You’re mad, bonkers, completely off your head. But I’ll tell you a secret. All the best people are.”, points us in this direction. Take me, for instance. When it comes to politics, I’m something like: 60% Green Party, 15% Democrat, 15% Republican, and 10% Libertarian. On the religious side, I’m roughly: 84% Christian, 10% Other, 4% Agnostic, and 2% Atheist. Likewise, I’m 68% masculine and 32% feminine, 91% pro-peace/nonviolence and 9% violent, 29% a champion of individual freedoms and 71% for collective care, and so on. Naturally, these numbers are merely guestimates, which I think help us realize: The more we can embrace and love the diversities, disagreements, tensions, and contradictions within ourselves, the healthier and more whole we’ll become both inside ourselves, and as communities and nations! After all, it’s way easier to see and love in others what we first see and love in ourselves.

Our word “demon” came from the ancient Greek word daemon, which likely came from a Greek word meaning “to divide”. Likewise, “Satan”, in its Hebrew origins, was a title meaning “the accuser”. I point this out because, in my humble opinion, the energies and spirits of division and accusation are NOT beneficial. Period. Truly, while it could be off-putting, I don’t think you’d be wrong to name these mentalities demonic! Do you see how powerfully this relates to the difference of opinions, diversity of beliefs, and conflicting views inside ourselves, in our circles, and within our nations?

I’m a walking rainbow, imagine you are too, and think it’s flat out marvelous!!! While I’ve been in the military and fought in wars, today I’m a nonviolent champion for peace and unity. Though I’ve been a meat-eater and don’t rule out returning, now I eat vegan/vegetarian. I love action, superhero, and other “manly” movies, but also adore romantic comedies, relationally driven dramas, and other “womanly” flicks. In politics, I can’t remember the last time I voted based on a party, because I think they all have important gifts to offer.

Don’t get me wrong, though, I write this blog as much for myself as I do for you! In a previous “life” I was a firmly in the fundamentalist camp when it came to Christianity. Perhaps because the journey that led me away from that is the same one that brought me closer to others, helped me experience way more of the Divine, imbued me with more peace/wellness, and filled me with more lovingkindness than I ever dreamed was possible—it’s super easy for me to fall into the trap of accusing, shaming, ignoring, and/or dividing from the fundamentalist mentality that resides in me, my story, and others. And while that is NOT okay, I am also a work in progress. 🙂

I could go on, but I won’t. 🙂 So, I’ll end with a blessing: May we see, name, and love the marvelously messy diversity within ourselves, in our circles, and within our nations. May we embrace difference with spirits of curiosity and unity. And may Love lead us to drink from the “fountain” where we taste heaven on earth!

If you enjoyed this you can sign up for email notifications of future blogs on the top right.  Additionally, I have a Facebook page where I regularly post articles, blogs, quotes, meditations, etc. to encourage us to more Light and Love.  Again, to the top right there’s a link for you to “Like” the page, as well as my Instagram account if you’re interested. ❤