The Illusion of Being Different

"I'm different," "You don't understand," and "I'm not like you" are some of the biggest lies we tell ourselves. These statements couldn't be further from the truth. The deeper we explore our humanity, the closer we are to realizing an unmistakable oneness. The challenge that separates us is our belief in our perspective as the whole truth. This level of thinking comes from our lower primal mind, the reptilian brain.

Every experience has been written, told, spoken, and done. Our judgments and attachments create the separation we feel from others. All of us are going through the same experience of life. However, the perceived difference comes from our unique perspective of the river of life.

The more we detach ourselves from ourselves and judge those around us, the more we reinforce our perceived differences. Yet, on the other side of the coin, the more we deepen our connection with our inner self and our humanity, the more we will see ourselves in everyone. The difference then comes from the position each person is at on the journey, like climbers at different heights of the journey up the mountain, not a fundamental difference in the climbers themselves.

We are all born into the world without asking, or at least we don't remember asking. A sperm meets an egg, and boom, here we are. Here we are, left to figure out what happened and how to navigate this life we are brought into. Pushed out from the safest and most nurturing place we could ever experience, the womb. Then, out into an unknown environment, we go, left with only our senses (still developing) to signal whether we are safe at the complete mercy of our caregiver(s).

We are all subjected to an environment we have no choice over and are quickly programmed based on many factors that shape how we behave, react, and perceive the world, with limited to no choices early on. Our parents went through the same thing, as did their parents, and so on.

As kids, we have two options: to either accept or reject what we are shown and told. We are all born into a structure and paradigm that is already there. We then become "adults" and fumble through life with minimal guidance unless we are fortunate enough to have parents or some other person(s) in our lives operating from a higher vibration of consciousness. It is well known that we are the people we interact with and hang around.

The "higher" a person's state (vibration) of consciousness is, the deeper their perspective is rooted in understanding instead of judgment. Understanding, is what we are all searching for within a world heavily plagued by judgment. 

The biggest lie we could tell ourselves is, "I am different, and nobody is like me." Or that my

experience is separate from everyone else. The fact that we all have this experience of life is the most unifying thing about us. We all want to feel safe and securely attached to our environment and those around us. It is healthier for the mind, body, and spirit.

Once we pierce through the illusionary story about ourselves, we begin to see the reality of oneness as the illusion of separateness dissolves.

Write down everything you think makes you different. Then, write down everything you feel makes you the same. Look at the list and mark which things are opinions, judgments, and attachments. Then, highlight the stuff that is based on and in experience. You may notice a separate and unifying difference. Notice what category appears to separate you from others and what category brings you closer.

The deeper we go within ourselves, strengthening our connection to our inner light, the more we see the light in others. This involves detaching from every opinion you have on who you think you are so that your mind is free to regain its sense of self.