For many centuries, humanity has shaped the destiny of the world. In its many incarnations humans have been both creator and destroyer, peacemaker and warrior, and judge and jury. Humans continue to serve as children of the earth and stewards of the greater universe. Each individual is responsible for weaving their own personality, gifts and unique talents into the web of humanity. Each person believing that their way is right and just, most to the extreme of believing it is the only way to proceed. This is the foundation for creating strife, division and each war. Creating unity and developing a sense of universal peace is dependent on developing compassionate communication, exploring other cultures and building an open honest dialogue with others outside our cultural zones.

Every culture has added their unique perception of communication. Every symbol represents a meaning and form of speech to its creators. Every culture forms a branch on the universal tree. Inquiry of a specific meaning for a symbol begins a path of exploration and discovery into the history of humanity.

The path of self discovery opens doors to further communication with other cultures. By delving into the questions of self we set forth on a path of knowing others. This path is an invitation to explore, gain insight and learn from the experiences of others than our own society. As one begins to explore these foreign lands, they begin to find similarities and differences. In similarities, humans find comfort and security. This is the entrance of each individual’s healing journey. In this case, healing representing the balancing of light and dark elements of the unknown with the known. This is a dwelling place of inspiration, aspirations and learning how to be human. In the process of healing, human beings begin to view differences, unknowns and fears as sources of learning. As an individual’s fears begin to diminish, they subside to reveal an ocean of wealth and treasures for self and community. We are each able to see that all individuals have a place in the universe. Every individual is an influential aspect and sacred life nurturing the roots of the universal tree.

If we can envision each individual nurturing the universal tree we can furthermore explore the concepts of connectedness and compassion. On this premise let us ask ourselves, “What can we learn from one another and how will these new insights bring forth change in our society?”

As the path widens so do the complexities of human nature. In order to gain a better understanding we look around us and uncover the layers of society. If societies are created by people, than how do multi-cultural societies live amongst one another? As Dean Barnlund stated (1975), ” Every communication, interpersonal or intercultural, is a transaction between two private worlds. As people talk they search for symbols that will enable them to share their experiences and converge upon a common meaning. This process, often long and sometimes painful, makes it possible finally to reconcile apparent or real differences between them.” What would happen if we changed the pillars holding up society from fear based to respect, compassion, understanding and unconditional love for humanity?

Respect, compassion, understanding and unconditional love for humanity sound like a utopian dream, but are they honestly attainable? Let us investigate these layers on a deeper level to see what we can uncover! Respect, for centuries, has been used as a catch all phrase stated at opportune times to create an illusion of reconciliation.

Each culture has a set of beliefs that are important to them. They are the guidelines from which they live, interact and evolve. Respect encompasses a belief that permits each individual to acknowledge that we are each free to have our own world views without forcing our own beliefs on others. We can all live in harmony and nurture the roots of the universal tree without condemning beliefs outside our own. With respect we begin to gain a broader range of understanding. We are able to step back, listen actively and learn about the other person. When we listen to others we encourage trust, become active participants and are able to respond differently. Listening to others also provides a forum for growing compassion and further defining communication skills.

Compassion is the act of unconditional love. Unconditional love can be viewed as an ever present, authentic and genuine caring for another human being. It is a love that incorporates the balance of mind, body and spirit. It requires honesty and openness to admit fears. This admittance permits one to open their heart and see beyond the barriers of society. It permeates on a level that seeks to restore balance, to share life experiences and to expand our scope of individual awareness. As we allow these new frameworks to enter our minds, bodies and spirits, we find ourselves renewed with a desire to establish peaceful relations.

The differences in neighborhoods, cultures, societies and families become stepping stones from which we can restore balance to humanity. Each serving as ambassadors of peace! Each acknowledging their unique wisdom to share with others and holding one another accountable for reshaping the destination of universal peace. Every individual recognizing that they are a part of something greater, knowing that to honor ones highest good is to also honor the highest good of all humankind. In conclusion, each individual represents a set of footprints on the path, every culture builds upon the earth as a temple, every society builds the world from which we create unity in an ever changing universe.

Works Cited Page

Barnlund, Dean (1975) Communication in a Global Village. In T. Brunk, S. Diamond, P. Perkins, & K. Smith (Eds) (pp. 47-62) 2nd ed. New York: W. W. Norton.