What if harmony is created through diversity?

Alina Rodina
Aug 9, 2017 · 4 min read

There are many of us on Earth… about 7 billion people, to be more precise. And everyone is so different.

Sometimes our planet reminds me of a huge garden, where each person is like a unique flower that has its own special charm and beauty, its exquisite aroma and color. On the other hand, all these flowers grow from the same land, the same sun shines over them and the same clouds send them rain. Aren’t people like that? Humanity consists of different religions, beliefs, values, gender, races — though we are all the same at heart.

Why, then, humanity waged war over its failure to accept their own diversity from the beginning of history up until today. We created imaginary lines for others not to cross, we dug trenches and raised walls to run away from the truth. The truth is that our difference and dissimilarity makes this world beautiful and complete. Of course, it is great to have things in common with other people. But if you surround yourself only with people who hold the same ideas and beliefs, you could be locking yourself away in a bubble.

Just imagine a garden where all the flowers are exactly the same in shape, color and smell. Would you find it beautiful or rather monotonous and dull? It is the differences and diversity that makes the picture complete. Individual allure of each flower, tree and fruit emphasizes the beauty of others and intensifies attractiveness of each and every one.

So it works for people too!

The beauty of the world lies in the diversity of its people.

This spring I was lucky to take a part in the international youth program Sport to Support that is organized by ERASMUS +. Groups from 6 countries (Norway, Slovakia, Serbia, Georgia, Croatia and Ukraine) came together to share experience and knowledge on sports and healthy lifestyles for two weeks. During these days we were kayaking, hiking, organizing a multinational cycle day and riding as a column throughout the city, arranging a feast of healthy recipes to share with each other, diving, taking part in quests and races, playing basketball, and so on.

But the most important thing that we did — we communicated.

Every day we divided into mixed teams to work through a particular topic or project and then presented it to everyone. While working in such multinational groups I realized the importance of the the otherness of the others. Our brainstorming reminded me of how music is made, where different notes are mixed to yield a perfect melody. Everyone brings their own tone to this symphony:

Georgians bring their expression and a warm heart.

Croatians — cheerfulness and good nature.

Slovenes — the seriousness and independence.

Serbs — kindness and gentleness.

Norwegians, whose group was unique by the fact there were no any single indigenous Norwegian, pleased with their initiative and boundless positivity.

So here we are, such multi-colored roses in the beautiful garden of mankind.

It’s breathtaking when our Universes, at least for a while, can unite and feel commonness despite all of our differences. Isn’t this the first step on the road to harmony and the establishment of world peace?

And now here is a small photo report:

Waiting for new assignments from the organizers
Morning line
Riding on bicycles. Hang in the shade after the track
Trekking on local hiking trails. Surprised that in Croatia, a large number of old people are engaged in hiking
Serbs present their project
Cooking some healthy food
Coach teaches us the basics of handball
Newly-made divers!
Kayaking
Plesetskie lakes is an incredible beauty reserve in Croatia

Author of photos Marko Nagel.

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