To Coexist … ( 05 / 01 / 2013 )
To Coexist … ( 05 / 01 / 2013 )
“ Loneliness is not a function of solitude .” ~ David Foster Wallace
There is little doubt that the only way our species will ultimately survive is if we choose collectively to consciously coexist … But what in the world does this mean , and how in the world can we each go about helping to attain this objective ?
The answer to the second question — how to effectively Coexist — will become quite obvious by the end of this post … The answer to the initial question — what coexistence IS — can be best answered by first looking at what coexistence is not :
* Coexistence is not the “ tolerance ” that judges another as “ less than ” while turning away & passively “ putting up ” with their beliefs …
* Coexistence is not the “ patience ” that judges another as “ wrong ” while condescendingly waiting for them to “ wake up ” …
* Coexistence is not even the “ respect ” that extends a hollow & vapid politeness to those we find “ wrong ” or “ strange ” …
No , a Coexistence that is real & deep-seated & practical is not a feeling that we have -- or a thought that we entertain -- or even a belief that we adopt . No , my Friends … Real COEXISTENCE is something that we must actively DO .
* Real COEXISTENCE sees the “ crazy ” homeless man , walks right up to him , and extends him the open Kindness he deserves …
* Real COEXISTENCE hears the religious rantings of the zealous believer , walks right up to him , and extends him the gentle Forgiveness he deserves …
* Real COEXISTENCE watches the wealthy neighbor be cold & callous to those less fortunate , walks right up to him , and extends him the pure Compassion he deserves …
* Real COEXISTENCE listens to lies of the power-hungry politician , walks right up to him , and extends him the unconditional LOVE he too deserves …
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