What if?

I find it interesting how life follows such interesting cycles. It always seems to change and yet upon closer inspection, it's always the same... just a different form. We are a herd species. We have been since the moment we graced this planet. You can almost imagine the small tribes that huddled together in caves and under trees hoping to gain safety in numbers against the endless predators and natural processes that keep earth's population balanced. We fed each other, groomed one another, and fought for dominance against one another... seeking to find our place in this world. Our alliance was our safety net against a hostile world that scared us.

It hasn't changed much. We still cling desperately to small tribes. First our family, then our friends, then to whatever groups make us feel wanted and safe. Religion, ethnicity, sexuality, gender, politics... these are all different names for the tribes we hold tight to. Hoping to find our place and find safety in numbers. We cling in fear against that which scares us, makes us uncomfortable. We define "us" as "not them" and circle the wagons against these perceived threats.

It's sad... for all the centuries upon this planet, all the advances and control that we've garnered over the "hostile" natural world...we seemed to have gained very little ground over our fears. We still need to draw lines and define the enemies. It's sad to see so much wasted energy. If we even took half the time we devote to judging, controlling, and hating one another and spent it trying to understand one another.... this world would be such a different place. We would learn to see the similarities... the "larger tribe". We would see that all people share the same life... the same needs. The need to love, to be loved. The need to have a safe and stable home. The need to eat nourishing foods, drink clean water, and be healthy enough to live long productive lives. The need to feel like there is a place for them in this world. This is a universal. A constant. From the gay couple down the street, to the Muslim family across the world. From the Republican senator to the homeless man who begs you for your change. The man and the woman. This is your tribe. A world tribe.

It doesn't stop at the basic needs either. We are an emotional bunch as well. We all feel sad when we are rejected. We all feel hate when we are scared. We all want to lash out when we are angry.  We all want to be wanted and respected. One can even find it in "evil" men. Gang members, drug dealers, murderers...all acting out of fear and the need to feel in control. All of them seeking to find their place. Their role. And as much as we don't want to see it...they, just like us. are loved by someone. There is love in all the dark places and dirty corners... and the undeniable constants remain.

And it even extends further than that... it extends to the nature around you. Their needs are the same... from the lowly chicken to the majestic eagle...from the cow to the lion. All one tribe. One binding balance.

The questions I ask tonight are my constant as well...Why do we spend so much time looking for the differences? Why settle for the primitive hostility and fear of our ancient past? Why not spend that time learning about the people we fear... find ourselves in them if just for a moment? For through understanding what scares us, we learn about ourselves. We learn not to fear. We become empowered, enlightened... gaining new respect and deeper love for the larger tribe we all belong to. Ah... maybe someday.