Listening for Harmony: The Path to Inclusion and Balance

Description:

In a world that seems to be both progressing and regressing at the same time, this reflection explores the necessity of openness, inclusion, and deep listening. It examines how exclusion leads to conflict and how true harmony is found not in uniformity but in embracing diverse perspectives. The call is to transcend division, foster understanding, and recognize the divine presence through compassion and empowerment.

The Call to Higher Ground

We live in a world that, for some reason, seems to be moving in all directions at once. Just when we think we are advancing, embracing openness and inclusivity, we find ourselves reverting to past divisions and conflicts. We had begun to recognize the value of each human being, working beyond hurt, loss, and abuse, shining light on the dark places, and helping people see their own worth. Yet, suddenly, it feels as if time has reversed.

In these recent weeks, the world seems to have regressed—driven by battles, destruction, and a mindset that insists on only one way forward. It is as if we have stepped back into the Middle Ages, where the crusades sought to annihilate difference rather than embrace it. Now, we are being forced to take sides again, caught in a whirlwind of division.

But there is always another way. There are always two sides to a coin. Where there is good, there is also the presence of its counterforce. The more good we strive for, the more we may encounter resistance. Yet, our work in this world is not about taking sides—it is about rising above, lifting our vibrations, and seeking higher ground.

The Consequence of Exclusion

Unfortunately, we have often pursued one perspective while disregarding others. We have chosen our direction and forced others to follow, ignoring those with different experiences and views. But when people feel unheard, they become destructive. When we shut the other out, we do not eliminate them; we create an enemy.

This is not just a global issue—it is a reality in our own homes and communities. Have we been listening to those who feel different? To the child who does not fit in? To the family member who sees the world differently? When we push people away, they will find others who understand them, and they may return—not in peace, but in defiance.

Harmony is not about uniformity. It is not about everyone thinking alike. True harmony is a dynamic experience—one that includes, balances, and adapts. It is not rigid control, but a fluid movement where every voice has a place.

The Path Forward: Listening and Inclusion

The question remains—what do we do now? How do we move forward?

Let us begin by listening.
Let us open ourselves to different perspectives.
Let us seek middle ground, not by deciding who is right or wrong, but by recognizing that truth often exists in tension between opposing views.

Maturity in a community, a society, and a nation is measured by its ability to be inclusive, to hold space for all voices, and to resist the temptation to anchor itself solely in the past. The kingdom of God is not about dominance or exclusion—it is about compassion and empowerment.

There is more to gain in making the enemy a friend than in continuing the cycle of division. When we truly listen, we may discover truth in that which we have previously rejected.

So may we commit ourselves to openness, to listening, to inclusion, and to balance.
In doing so, we create the space for healing, growth, and true harmony.