Many songs and pieces of music are fabulous because of the harmonic arrangement of distinct instrumental sounds. A song may include the sounds of a drum, an electronic keyboard, a guitar, and a singer. Each of these musical items is utterly unique in look and sound, and when they work together they make a song that we enjoy. All life on earth is unique. All life on earth is interconnected.
We may not always understand why certain people do certain things, look and present themselves in certain ways, or see things in certain ways. Nevertheless, they may be bringing something important to this planet that we simply do not have the perspective or experience to appreciate. This would be like playing an instrument alone in a studio, so that the music can be mixed later. That one line of music may not sound that interesting, but when put together with lines of music from other instruments, could create a symphony.
Harmony is more important and more challenging than sameness. Harmony is also more interesting, beautiful, and fun. The first steps to harmony are respect and kindness. These can lead to compassion and love for the many ways we are different whether it is by age, weight, attractiveness, class, gender, race, culture, religion, education, unique personality, or physical ability. We all have to live with ourselves, others, and the nature of this planet. Believe that we can do so such that we can all have a rich and fulfilling existence, then we will find a way together.
Copyright © 2002 March 08, Katherine Phelps