There are noble roots to diversity, equity and inclusion programs whose popular shorthand reference is DEI. Each of those letters are extremely important in a functioning, healthy and holistic society. But inclusion isn’t just about the LGBTQ and BIPOC communities, or any others who are minorities or marginalized.
In these divisive times, it’s important that everyone feel included. What about southern WASPs, for instance? Or people who choose to continue wearing masks after mandates have been lifted? Or police offers who have been demonized? My point is that no one should feel left out of this critical conversation or isolated from others.
That’s not inclusion, and it feeds into the climate of anger and divisiveness across the U.S. – a real sense of us against them. This extends far beyond politics to how we’re relating to our neighbors and people all around us. What’s more troublesome is how our collective frustrations continue to fuel gun violence, which has been back in the headlines lately.
A documentary on spacewalkers that I recently watched provides a wonderful perspective about the unity and singularity of Earth. The separateness and individuality that we covet so much is actually an illusion. But developing healthy daily practices within our lives, whether it’s meditation, yoga or a particular diet, will help us be more present and realize we’re part of a larger community.
This change of mindset leaves no room for anger or violence. And when perspectives shift to a broader world view, it becomes extremely difficult to harm others because and easier to adopt a social consciousness involving total inclusion.