Weaving Life’s Tapestry: An Exploration of Our Shared Existence
Written By Abraham Sharkas
Oh Lord, to Be or to Become
In fear, if I kneel before your might, into the deep let me dive,
Yearning for Heaven’s gleaming light, from it, my soul, deprived.
In dread of darkness, should I bow, allow the abyss to claim its time.
In reverence, if I yearn for bliss, and seek heaven’s embrace,
Then close thy gates, bar my path, deny that sacred space.
Oh Lord, if Not to Be or to Become, what then.
The echo spoke with every beat of the heart You placed within me
I am. We are. It is. Amen.
Isn’t it interesting how our dialogues on selflessness and altruism often tend to pivot around moralistic and saintly archetypes?
But consider this — what if we step off this well-trodden path and explore these ideas through different prisms, like psychology or social science? Grounded in reality, this perspective can strike a deeper chord within us.
Our fundamental instinct for survival, deeply encoded since our species’ earliest days, inherently molds our self-image. It creates a ‘survival self’, a version of us expert at gathering and protecting resources, sometimes even taking from others to meet our needs. This self-focused perspective, amplified by societal pressures, allure of comfort, pursuit of social standing, and incessant competition for wealth and influence, infiltrates our daily lives.
However, let’s clarify that this self-centered consciousness is not simply a byproduct of modern capitalism.
Ancient teachings, such as the concept of Anatta, or ‘non-self’ from the Anatta-lakkhana Sutta, or the ancient Indian philosophical concept ‘Tat Tvam Asi’ or ‘You are That’, have long highlighted the illusion of a separate self, an illusion that engenders suffering. This preoccupation with self, transcending cultures and ages, is a fundamental part of our human consciousness, borne from our primal, biological urge to survive.
Through the ages, spiritual guides have strived to reshape this self-centric consciousness, seeking to transform this survival instinct into a consciousness that radiates outward.
Why?
The ultimate goal is to instill a sense of connection to everything around us, fostering unity that transcends the conventional dichotomy of ‘me’ versus ‘you’.
Contrary to common belief, spirituality isn’t about grand visions or waves of overpowering emotions. At its core, it’s about the recognition and realization of the intricate interconnectedness that weaves our reality together. This deep, profound understanding emerges from our ability to move past self-centered barriers and open ourselves up to a more unified, collective consciousness.
Once we attain this state, the need for competitive comparisons dissolves. Declaring ‘I am more spiritual than he’ becomes irrelevant because we see ‘I’ and ‘he’ as integral components of a larger, unified whole.
Where can we find tangible proof of our interconnected existence? Instead of hitching spiritual philosophies to the ever-evolving carriage of science, let’s explore two steadfast sources:
- The timeless wisdom enshrined in mystic literature.
- The real-life experiences of those living their lives in the service of others.
Mystic literature from various cultures consistently resonates with the belief that seeing oneself as a separate, isolated entity is an illusion, a misunderstanding that fuels human suffering. Engaging in acts of service helps shatter this illusion, redirecting our focus from ‘me’ to ‘we’, paving the way to recognize and embrace our connection with the broader community and the world.
The journey from the ‘survival self’ to an ‘others-centered consciousness’ is truly enlightening. It brings about a profound shift that allows us to perceive the interconnected nature of reality. It doesn’t demand divine visions or ecstatic emotions — it only requires a willingness to step outside our self-focused sphere and recognize our integral role within the grand tapestry of life.
Think about the countless individuals who have dedicated their lives to service, making the wellbeing of others their primary concern. When asked why they do what they do, you’ll likely hear a shared refrain: serving others brings them joy, fulfillment, a sense of purpose that’s unparalleled by any self-centered pursuits. Their experiences offer a living testament to the truth enshrined in age-old mystic literature — the truth of our inherent interconnectedness.
Take a moment to reflect.
Have there been times when you felt this interconnectedness, even if briefly?
A sense of belonging that expanded beyond your personal sphere, encompassing others, even strangers, as part of our shared humanity?
How did that feel?
What did it teach you?
Our journey towards understanding our interconnectedness is a marathon, not a sprint — a continuum rather than a mere spectrum. It’s marked by introspection, revelations, and subtle shifts in perception. It invites us to challenge ingrained beliefs, question the status quo, and boldly embrace a worldview that transcends the ‘me versus you’ mindset.
While this path may not always be smooth, the rewards are bountiful. Embracing our interconnectedness can endow us with deeper empathy, enhanced compassion, and a more meaningful sense of purpose. It can transform our relationships, our communities, and ultimately, our world.
How will you embark on your journey?
How will it possibly alter your perception of the world, and more importantly, your role within it?
How will it change the way you live your life?
In this grand dance, each step towards embracing our interconnectedness is a step towards a more compassionate, understanding, and harmonious world.
The journey awaits… always, at every moment.
