The Real World

On the one hand there are those who, given the opportunity, would kill us without any thought of our individuality. “American” or “United States” or “Christian” is sufficient reason for them. I know. I’ve seen their stares and overheard their not-so-softly-spoken threats walking the streets of my world travels.

But on the other hand there are those such as Thich Nhat Hanh and the Dalai Llama who show us that we are all connected and far more the same than we are different.

It is not a simple matter of being able to choose one viewpoint and ignore the other. They are both real, both are there to encounter, both are simply different facets of the one world in which we live.

One approach is to strive toward the desired world while accepting that we live in one that includes the other.

Be friendly, open, and kind.

But check the dark corners and watch over your shoulder.