Transcending Ego: The Story of Interconnected Reality.

oday, we're exploring the transformative power of the stories we tell ourselves and their ripple effect on the world around us. By embracing the Story of Inter-being, you're not just making your life better—you're also creating real, day-to-day change that connects you with others.

Many people are so used to the idea that we're all separate from each other that they miss the chance to see things differently. This old way of thinking affects everything from how we treat each other to how we see the world.

‍We've been believing the Story of Separation for millennia. The stories we tell ourselves become the world we live in.

Here are the insights you'll get in this issue.

• Discover the power of your narrative: Separation vs. Inter-being.
• Learn to challenge limiting beliefs that keep you isolated.
• Uncover the role of empathy in breaking barriers.
• Realize the big impact of small, conscious actions.
• Open up to transformative conversations.

Two Stories of the World

Two main stories guide our choices and shape society. They are:

1. The Story of Separation: This story has been with us for ages. It says we are all separate beings, disconnected from each  other, nature, and the universe. This way of thinking often leads to conflict and problems in our world.
2. The Story of Inter-being: This is the opposite.  It says we are all connected. Our actions, big or small, have an impact on everyone and everything around us. When we live by this story, we make choices that benefit everyone, not just ourselves.

These aren't fairy tales; they deeply influence our lives and our society. Some may dismiss the Story of Inter-being as idealistic, but the thing is the beliefs we hold form our reality. By choosing our story, we're also choosing our actions and the kind of world we want to live in.

“We tried everything possible and nothing worked. We must now try the impossible”. Sun Ra

Five simple ways to reconnect in your daily life.

Identify Your Story

Spend some time reflecting on which story—Separation or Inter-being—you currently align more with. Journal your thoughts to make this self-awareness exercise concrete.

So, what story do you believe in? The one that separates us or the one that connects us? Depending on what you choose, you'lllive your life a certain way and contribute to shaping our world accordingly.‍

Challenge Your Beliefs

If you find you're more in the "Story of Separation," try challenging those beliefs.

Example belief: "I have to succeed on my own; no one else will help me." The following question might help:

1. Why do you think you're on your own in life?
2. How does thinking you're on your own change how you act or treat people?
3. Can you think of a time when someone unexpectedly helped you?
4. What would you do differently if you felt connected to everyone around you

Empathy Over Judgment:The Bridge to Interbeing

Judgement separates. Empathy reconnects.

Judgment often arises from a place of fear or misunderstanding, creating walls that separate us from others and from our true selves. This separation is an illusion, a mental construct that keeps us from realizing our interconnected nature.

In contrast, empathy serves as a bridge, allowing us to traverse the chasm of judgment and connect more authentically with others and with ourselves. When we approach life with empathy, we acknowledge not just the shared human experience, but also the shared consciousness that interlinks us all.

So, the next time you find yourself quick to judge, pause and consider the interconnected reality you're a part of. Ask yourself, "How can I replace this judgment with understanding?" By doing so, you move one step closer to embracing the Story of Inter-being, and one step closer to realizing the actionable change it can bring to your life.

Take Small Actions

Embracing the idea of being interconnected might seem hard at first. Start with small, achievable actions:

• Plant a Tree: Contribute to nature by planting a tree, symbolizing your belief in interconnectedness.
• Listen More: Spend time really listening to someone's story without judgment.
• Kindness Jar: Start a kindness jar at home or work, where people can leave kind notes for others.
• Send Gratitude Notes: Write short notes of thanks to people who have positively impacted your life.
• Mindfulness Minute: Take a minute each day to be fully present, acknowledging your connection to the here and now.

Open up

By openly discussing the concept of Inter-being, you help plant seeds that might grow into meaningful change in someone's life.Choose an appropriate moment, perhaps over coffee or a shared meal, to introduce the concept. Use relatable examples to illustrate how their daily choices—like what they buy, who they interact with, or how they solve conflicts—might be influenced by the "Story of Separation."

Frame it as an exchange of ideas rather than a lecture. Make sure to listen as much as you speak, and be open to the possibility that you'll also learn something new.

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Thank you for joining me in this exploration.Share these thoughts with those around you. Every shared idea is a gesture that shapes our collective narrative.

Gratitude to Chris Ensey for the photo.