An unfolding journey of awakening and self-discovery is underway around the globe and it is revealing a vast new awareness that is far beyond the scope of prescribed education, leadership, traditions and cultural norms that we are accustomed to participating in. With the evolving real-time social interactions brought about by the worldwide web, our access to one another is becoming instant, cross cultural and directly personal. These new forms of communication with one another are initiating a process where we are questioning the many different concepts and suggestions shared through longstanding information channels. It is becoming more evident with each passing moment that most are an attempt at conformity and compliance to social and behavioral standards of the past that are rapidly becoming outdated and outmoded.

We often disguise our personal doubts, challenges, fears, and emotions, for instance, under the pretense of appropriate and acceptable behavior as part of our life view, teachings and opinions. We do this in an endeavor to ensure a more stable social outer order and maintain a standard on individual and group beliefs. Yet, the primary challenge remains; we consider anyone outside these imposed social structures to be a stranger or a threat, and this perspective instantly creates separation. Separation is the pain we all suffer from and it is really an illusion. We are all interconnected and interdependent on this beautiful blue orb we call earth.

When we return to the bigger picture of life, we instantly connect to the deepest aspect of our kindred being. This connection sees the oneness in each other and, from this angle, only kindness prevails and diversity is expected and celebrated. Kindness certainly knows no borders and flows with ease and grace when we allow it to express itself through us. Diversity allows us to share these many experiences in a variety of ways that enhance our journey of life.

Moving beyond our limiting beliefs and choosing to see everyone as a friend, opens us up to a global diversity beyond comprehension. By trusting ourselves, we become more intimate, natural and embracing with each person we encounter in life. When we choose to see life from the viewpoint of unity, our cultures, rituals, customs and social perceptions give way to soul expressions as we allow our heart to guide our destiny. This quiet voice of inner wisdom understands the connection that is ever-present and seeks to encourage us to remember our universal heartbeat. When we approach each other as a friend, we set the stage for grand potential. The word "stranger" ceases to exist in this context and disappears from our vocabulary completely.

Although conflicts born of discrimination, humiliation and ignorance of the precious value of life may continue for a while, how we personally approach life and the choices we make alters the timing and the outcome. Accepting and loving ourselves unconditionally initiates our expanding conscious awareness of the boundless beauty in life. As we embrace one another as fellow humans, we dissolve age-old conflicts and restore the dignity and diversity that is both our heritage and our destiny. Simply be a friend first.

Love and hugs,
Harold W. Becker