Coexistence

Maintaining a good outlook, and acting in one’s community is one way of adding to the health of one’s spirit. In the streets, on TV, radio and myriad other places the jarring dissonance, and backbiting of , whether through low self image or otherwise, individuals is as plain as the nose on your face —they’re seemingly all in the game to sway others to their side, religion, way of thinking, or stag party. Their efforts beg the question as to how serious they are. It’s progressively more infrequent that one sees a group of people working together. Not to detest conflict, as it is needed and essential, but sometimes it is useless. Serving as an emulsifier for an endless battle of bickering, and accomplishment, it’s not rare that one sees what could have been a great endeavor elicit atrophy. This consequence can be traced to many causes, among them as a corollary to the use of the ego in ways divergent to a motivic force. So, you can bicker aimlessly for eternity, or you can find some middle ground with those Christians across the street, or those pop-loving’ scenesters next-door and do something which transcends the self and adds to the whole: it is in this way that veritable hope and faith is born. In doing so, you’re adding not to your own individualistic world, or friend group, but to the whole.

Helping neighbors, cleaning up the streets, planting trees, leading, or putting together readings of quality works or art at community libraries and centers, and encouraging abstract thought among those around you are examples of this. You’ve a choice to either satisfy that itch, and entertain your desires or take out your sword, join others, and be the apple of their eyes—you won’t be heard working alone—and work to inculcate healthy, perennial values in yourself, family, spirituality, and community. By doing this, you will add to the whole and create a stronger bond both with those around you, and this world.