The Power of Division: A Path to Transformation
Divide and conquer—a phrase that resonates across various aspects of life, from the microscopic to the societal level. Whether it’s a family evolving as children carve out their own paths, a country segmented into regions and social classes, or even the initial union of sperm and egg, division is often the precursor to significant change.
In the context of families, division is a natural part of growth. As children mature, they venture out to find their own place in the world, leading to the expansion of the family unit in new and unexpected ways.
On a broader scale, countries are divided into regions, social classes, and countless subcultures. These divisions can create vibrant diversity but can also lead to stark contrasts and conflicts, particularly in times of crisis.
We’ve all heard the saying, “To make an omelette, you’ve got to crack a few eggs.” Yet, this seemingly innocuous phrase has sparked heated debates, especially in an era where dietary choices are a battleground. Hardcore vegans, for instance, fiercely criticize the use of animal products, often creating further divides. But how many of these critics, I wonder, still buy flowers, unknowingly disrupting the natural process of pollination and feeding for bees?
The Rise of Division
Divisiveness isn’t just confined to dietary choices. Consider the raging debates on gun control or the heated arguments over vaccines. Friends and families are being torn apart by conflicting beliefs and opinions. The trust that once bonded us is being tested to its limits, often stemming from a lack of self-trust and self-belief.
When beliefs we’ve held onto for so long are challenged, it can leave us feeling lost and uncertain. Instead of engaging in open dialogues and learning from one another, we’re increasingly resorting to personal attacks and dismissing others as conspiracy theorists. This growing division is eerily reminiscent of historical religious conflicts, where differences in faith led to violence and war.
Today, instead of dividing over religion, we’re dividing over vaccines, knowledge, and learning styles. And in a time when unity is more crucial than ever, we’re pulling further apart.
Navigating Through a Divided World
As someone who has sailed around the world, lived through the Egyptian Uprising, and experienced the isolation of life as a digital nomad, I’ve seen firsthand how division can take its toll. I’ve also witnessed how it can be overcome.
Living under curfew during the Egyptian Uprising, surviving a wrongful arrest in Scotland, and enduring extended periods of isolation have taught me the importance of staying connected—mind, body, and soul. I’ve seen how political agendas unfold, how freedoms can be stripped away in the blink of an eye, and how fear can drive people apart.
Unity in the Face of Fear
In today’s world, fear is a powerful force driving division. Governments are mandating vaccines, airports are demanding proof of COVID-19 testing, and people are being forced to choose between their rights and their safety. These are complex issues with no easy answers.
But one thing is clear: division only weakens us. Instead of tearing each other down over differing opinions, we need to come together, ask the right questions, and seek understanding.
Just like the sailors who learn to navigate through storms by trusting their instincts and each other, we too must navigate through this storm by staying united. We must question the narratives fed to us, seek the truth, and most importantly, support one another.
Embracing Curiosity and Creativity
The problem with being convinced we are right is that it stifles curiosity and creativity. Instead of asking questions, we shut down dialogue and miss opportunities for growth and understanding. In these challenging times, we should take a lesson from history. If Sir Isaac Newton could invent calculus during a plague, what can we create during this time of quarantine?
Our current situation calls for resilience and creativity. By embracing our unique experiences and perspectives, we can build something positive out of this divisive period. Whether it’s reconnecting with loved ones through new communication tools or finding joy in small daily routines, there are ways to find unity and purpose.
And here is the thing, we are all singing songs in the darkness, we are all on these journey’s, different wounds, different fears, scars and longings, but we are all ultimately the same, wanting peace within, and this can only begin to be real when we get real with ourselves and do the work on a deep soul level.
Living a shallow existence leads to shallow experiences, shallow loving of others as well as self; and from this shallow existence life is fragile, as fragile as a poppy, as delicate and dangerous as the poison held within its existence, beautiful though it is.
So isn’t it better to be all of who you are, not caring about the others and be more sunflower? Strong, nourishing and standing tall rather than bowing to the winds of change of others?
Let me know your thoughts, and remember you are whole and complete, and beautiful just as you are, and those who cannot handle you, they are not meant to you, and their opinions of you do not matter. No one’s opinions of you matter, because at the end of the day, you are the one who has to find peace within, the one who has to go to sleep at night, and the one who has walked your path through life.
Be true to yourself always, because it is a beautiful space live from.
