Beloved Colleagues - I wanted to share an article with you that I think is worthy of posting on the Social Issues website. Many of you know Rev Deborah. She was, is my teacher and has an extraordinary way of making one (me) think and see the impact of my words, my actions.
As we move into our highest expression, let us encourage and be the "salad bowl" versus the "melting pot" in our centers, our communities - allowing the richness of each indivdual to unfold, and the fullness of God's expression on Earth. Enjoy Rev Deborah's words.
Toward Wholeness by Rev Deborah L Johnson, MBA
Healing ourselves, our nation, and our world requires that we are both inclusive and diverse. This can only occur when we are able to understand, appreciate, and embrace the balance between our unity and uniqueness. The melting pot paradigm has such a strong hold on the collective psyche of this country that it is even the framework in which we describe our diversity. A popular articulation is "America is comprised of many different kinds of people." A more inclusive reflection would be "Many different kinds of people comprise America." The difference between the two statements is more than mere semantics and should not be reduced to political correctness. It fundamentally shapes the prism through which we see the world.
We use this same type of centrist reasoning in global relations - "the world is comprised of many different types of people" as opposed to "many different types of people comprise the world." In the former there is single world. If we position ourselves as the leader of this single world, then all of those different kinds of people will be like us, or a least subject to us.
Until we can appreciate that many different types of people comprise the world, we are not likely to see the world through any eyes other than our own. It will be difficult for us to see that others do not experience us as we experience ourselves. Until we can acknowledge varying perceptions, it will be nearly impossible for us to comprehend the ways in which the impact of our actions on others may not reflect our intent.
I find that often times the difficulty in trying to do diversity work - whether in movement building, in the corporate world, or in our communities and congregations - is that we're asking the wrong questions. It's common for discussions about diversity to start with the assumption that there is one thing that is, in fact, the "norm", and that in diversifying we are moving out from that norm. So the question then becomes: who gets to say what the norm is?
We need to consider the underlying assumptions that frame our approach. What is our default position? The tendency is that my group, whatever it is, is placed in the center and the dilemma becomes "How do I venture out from my central place and bring some of those "other" people into where I am?"
I'd like to put forth a different model that I think helps a lot with moving towards diversity. It shifts us from a position of centrism to a paradigm of Oneness. (Contrary to popular belief, Oneness is not uniformity, but complete integration - wholeness.) In this model, we stop thinking that "my world" or "my reality" is the center. The issue is no longer how to get the people who don't share my reality to come in to my world, instead we step back and really become aware of not only who is present, but who is not. The approach is no longer "Although we are complete here, a little variety may make us look better to other people."
The new model is more holistic than that. It assumes that diversity is not merely the goal but the norm. Furthermore, it recognizes that without diversity, the group is not complete. The missing elements are a vital part of the whole. The starting assumption moves from a centrist position to one of greater introspection: Hmm, I notice that there's something that appears to be missing," and "What aspect of me is missing, and how am I not whole without it?"
This is very different from "How do I get them to join me?" If I reflect on what makes an integral wholeness, not only does a different discussion regarding diversity ensue, I am actually more likely to move in that direction. Diversification becomes more natural and less contrived. The thought of it brings a greater sense of hope and aliveness, rather than fear and trepidation.
To illustrate, if my group is sitting around the table and we ask the question, "Who's missing and how are we not whole without that aspect?" we may notice a few things. If we notice that we are all middle-aged people it may become obvious to us that youth is missing. This absence may be apparent to the naked eye. However, it's the introspection that elevates a simple observation into an intention to diversify. If we acknowledge that the contributions of youth are missing, we become more motivated to do something about it. Youth bring idealism, a passion, a fire. They have a different relationship to technology which shapes their understanding of the world. They have a better understanding of how messages need to be presented to capture the imagination of their peers. The list goes on, and the prospect of a youthful voice among us becomes exciting.
Furthermore, this is the type of analysis that people are looking for when they are being "recruited." They want to know if you have an understanding of the fact that they really have something to offer that is unique and important. They want to know that their presence is being sought as value added, not window dressing. They want to know that you don't perceive it as "us and them," but you consider them to be an integral part of the whole.
This holistic model requires that we expand our sense of identity, of what we consider "self" to be. For instance, if you look at the fundamental tenets of capitalism, there is a premise that if in fact we redefine 'self' to be inclusive of us all. So if I understand 'self' to mean this inherent inclusion, then maybe operating in self-interest is not such a bad thing; if anytime I take action I am considering its impact on the big 'Self' of all of us.
A primary assertion of my ministry is that "There is only One of us here." There is only one unitary wholeness at the center of all things, invisible and undifferentiated. As it moves into the realm of manifestation, it takes on the shape and form, never manifesting itself in the exact same way twice. Thus, the Only thing there is expresses itself in diversity. This is the spiritual paradox that we must grow to understand. In order to embrace the whole, we must appreciate its variety of expression. IN order to appreciate the variety, we must appreciate its single source. For example, if we really love music, we must appreciate various genres. In order to appreciate various genres, we must have an appreciation of music itself. So it is with people, as well.
America is a great nation in grave danger of not fulfilling its greatness in misguided efforts to dominate and control the world. We have become addicted to power and are bullying other nations in our efforts to be the sole superpower on the globe. Our consumptive patterns are indifferent to their impact on the rest of the planet. The days of imperialism are over, yet America continues to head down that path. Increasingly there is a gap between our actions and what we proclaim as our values and intent. Healing this gap is necessary for the survival and well being of the world, not merely our nation. We must assume responsibility for our actions and use our power and might to make the world a more loving, egalitarian, and just place for all.
**This article includes portions of a plenary address given by Rev Deborah at the May 2006 national conference of the Network of Spiritual Progressives. It also includes short excerpts from several of her other writings.
Rev Deborah L. Johnson, MBA is the founder of Inner Light Ministries, an Omnifaith spiritual community, and the Motivational Institute specializing in cultural diversity. Author of
The Sacred Yes and
Your Deepest Intent, she is an instructor at Pacific School of Religion and UCLA's Anderson Executive Leadership Diversity Institute. A life-long civil rights activist, she carries a message of Oneness, beyond creed and doctrine, and is dedicated to healing, empowerment, and reconciliation. For more information visit:
www.deborahjohnson.orgInner Light Ministries is an Omnifaith outreach ministry located in Soquel, CA. Founded in 1997, Inner Light teaches the practical application of Universal Spiritual principles to all of life's circumstance. To learn more visit:
www.innerlightministries.com
