Inclusion

Have you ever been to a party where you knew few, if any, people? Have you stood awkwardly by yourself watching people who knew each other chatting and having a good time? How about having the experience of someone mercifully coming over to you, talking with you and introducing you to others, helping you to feel comfortable?

Perhaps you’ve played this role yourself, helping someone to feel included. It’s a relief, isn’t it? You’re grateful when someone reaches out to you, and it’s a great feeling to be that person for someone else. We all like to be welcomed and to know that our company is desired.

Sometimes a smile from a stranger comes at just the right time. When I was at the DMV yesterday getting my new Arizona driver's license, the woman assisting me was so friendly and helpful that it felt in those moments like we were two women who were part of the same human race -- more similar than different. I felt welcomed to Arizona! It was really a lovely experience. And, the icing on the cake -- I got to leave behind my old license that had a photo I didn't like. My new one is much better!

I think of spirituality as the concept of Unity, which means nothing is separate—we’re all in this together. It doesn’t mean you go off to one side while everybody else is part of some unified whole. It means you are an important, integral part of the whole shebang—the universe, the world, your community, your family, your relationship.

Today I am going to be inclusive and remember that we are all in this strange, mysterious journey of life together. I want my behavior to reflect that belief.