The One Difference Between Us
Do you ever wonder what makes people behave the way they do?
We are each special in our own way, as we each have our own individual expression and our own strengths. Clearly, we all came here with different bodies, but at our core, we are the same One.
We are all made of the very same Divine stuff. The Life and Breath in us is the same. Living Vitality is right here within and flowing throughout each one of us - Intelligent and Automatic (causing all of the systems of the body to function with one another), Vibrant, Harmonious, and Abundant.
Yet people behave so differently. Why?
Behavior
We see some people who are generally pleasant and well-mannered. These people appear to be pretty level-headed. Then we see others and think, “Why does he do that?” or “Why does she act like that?” or “Why are they so angry or loud or combative or possessive or controlling?” or “Why do they start so much trouble?” or “What’s her problem?”
A different set of questions could be, “Why he so shy or quiet” or “Why is she so self-effacing?” or “Why is he so unsociable?” or “Why is she so solitary?”
The vast differences between people can be baffling at times, especially when we look at situations and feel that certain responses are totally uncalled for.
Perception
We look around and identify most with people who think, say and do things like we do them. We unconsciously reason within ourselves, “OK, that’s reasonable. That’s normal.”
But then we see some people doing things we couldn’t imagine doing in 100 years. We see or hear of someone doing something that to our mind is so awful, insensitive, and sometimes even heinous.
And then there’s someone else who seems much more patient, tolerant, friendly, generous or sacrificing than we would ever imagine yourself being.
Or we see someone who is bolder, more confident, frank, forthcoming, open, honest, authentic, outgoing or outspoken than we’re used to.
One person seeing one of these people is inspired and full of admiration thinking, “Wow, I wish I could be like that!” Another looks at the same person and shakes his head, “What a sucker. What’s wrong with her? Is she stupid or just naïve?” Big difference in perception.
Learning
Yet despite our many differences, human beings are very much the same. We all pretty much have common sense. We all live and learn something from our experiences. “Ouch, fire is really hot! I won’t touch it anymore.” So what makes us different?
Somebody may say, “No I’m not sure we all do have common sense; nor that we all learn. Some people never learn.” Well, while I agree that it sure can seem that way sometimes, I’m going to have to disagree. I still think people are all basically the same, and they generally operate the same way.
Modus Operandum
“What do you mean telling me that people operate the same way?! Have you not seen the difference between the behavior of saints like Mother Theresa and devils like Jeffrey Dahmer? Do you think they operated the same way?”
Again: Yes, at a core level, I do. What’s the difference between a saint and a devil anyway? I have come to believe that only one thing makes our lives and experiences any different.
So what then is this difference between us all? Why do people behave so differently? Read more »
