oday, we explore the relationship between our personal development and the dynamics of our social circles. How do we grow as an individual through conflict and friction? Why do we choose to sit around like-minded people? And how can diversity help us develop our potential and journey toward our best selves?
We commonly seek out the comfort of groups with similar beliefs and ideas, as it provides a sense of safety and familiarity. This comfort zone often limits our growth and blinds us to the richness of diverse perspectives.
Transformation happens through friction. By stepping into circles beyond the ones you know, you journey from Ego to Eco, discovering your place in the Universe.
What to expect:
Nature is made up of interconnected wholes, known as holons. Humans are not just inhabitants on this planet. We're part of a larger, dynamic system. Recognizing ourselves as holons—both whole and a part—opens us up to a deeper sense of interconnectedness.
This shift in perspective invites us to expand our circles to seek and explore diversity. Why? Because, at a deep level, diversity is life's backbone. More concretely, it helps us engage with compassion and effectiveness with the world around us. Understand this: your best self is not a bigger one. It's one that is able to adopt an expanded perspective.
The cosmos is the largest entity, encompassing all others. You have a unique role, and your connections with others are essential, not only for survival but also for expanding your consciousness.
Earlier this week, I separated from my partners. Under stress, our collective was in search of new momentum. A question was raised. Who will be part of the next wave of our collective endeavors? I was out. Why? "It takes more work to build an alliance with you, Pierre-Boris.", two partners said.
If you are on a path of self-development, embracing similar minds should not reinforce your beliefs but deepen your understanding and compassion.
While forming circles with those who share our views offers comfort and validation, it also poses the risk of stagnation.
Strength lies not in uniformity but in the diversity of our unity. Take agriculture as an example. Monoculture uses a lot of fertilizer because it generally impoverishes the soil and our ecosystem.
I managed not to take things personally, even though I felt it was violent. On a deeper level, however, I couldn't avoid thinking about the loss of diversity in our system.
Interesting fact: diverse teams make better decisions 87% of the time compared to non-diverse teams. These results are due to their capacity to consider multiple viewpoints and challenge assumptions.
It's in diversity that our true potential is forged. When we encounter friction in the form of differing views and experiences, we are pushed out of our comfort zones and driven to grow beyond our limitations.
"Diversity is the source of life's creativity." - Margaret Wheatley.
But that's not all. Engaging with diverse individuals and circles can inspire a shift from a self-centered perspective to a more inclusive and eco-centric one, leading to positive changes in ourselves and society.
The journey from ego to eco is a path of expanding consciousness.
In personal development and spiritual path, we often hear about the need to 'kill the Ego' - our sense of self. Think of your ego as a small lens that helps you perceive the world. Your thoughts, beliefs, and opinions are just one of many lenses through which we understand the complexity of the world and the universe.
As we evolve, we begin to see beyond this limited lens. That's where the diversity of our relationships helps us. By reaching out into the diverse collective, we tap into a bigger wisdom that's not just about "me" but about "us;" and ultimately about "all that there is."
Alfred Adler explained that the goal of life is the true sense of community, to be understood as the community of humans at large and all inanimated 'things'; in other words, the Universe.
Mystics and sages, like Mooji, tell us it's possible to live fully in the world, with its challenges and joys, without losing sight of the bigger picture. This doesn't mean losing who we are but expanding who we are. When we do so, our concerns and care grow wider, encompassing more than our individual needs—aiming for a selfless service rooted in universal love.
One conversation with a now ex-colleague helped me journey from ego - the self wounded by the separation - to eco - the deep understanding of the bigger picture. The bigger picture concerns more than just the context (the economic conditions, etc.). It includes the subjective experience of all parties. Two days ago, we had a profoundly touching conversation in this narrow circle of partners. A healthier holon could emerge. My expanded consciousness helped me to shift from reaction to responsibility, from stuckness to freedom. We could make space for our differences. The friction was gone. We transformed, individually and collectively.
To move beyond our ego and embrace the concept of eco, we need to broaden our perspective. It involves acknowledging that each of us has a role to play in the bigger picture, contributing to a more interconnected tapestry than we can imagine. It is a call to live mindfully, aware of our inner connections, and motivated by a desire to serve ourselves and the entire community.
Belgium's slogan is « Unity makes strength .» This small country has united Flemish, Walloon, and Germanic communities. Uniting differences is a challenge. But brings huge benefits as well. As an article in Psychology Today highlights, building friendships beyond familiar circles profoundly impacts personal growth and emotional intelligence.
The ultimate strength of humanity lies in our ability to unite across differences, forming circles that are resilient in their diversity.
"True strength lies in the unity of the pack" - Unknown.
When we create communities that respect both individuality and collective harmony, we embody our natural interconnectedness.
This journey of uniting through friction invites us to reconsider the circles we form and how they shape our path to our best selves. By embracing diversity and seeking connections that challenge and uplift us, we move closer to a world of understanding, harmony, and shared humanity.
Embracing diversity and seeking challenging connections enhances creativity, fosters empathy, drives personal growth and builds stronger, more inclusive communities.
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Awaken, Align, Impact
Using a blend of new sciences and ancient wisdom, to guide individuals towards self-realization and authentic leadership, empowering them to make a positive impact on the world.
