Identity

Summer Newsletter 2023

There is much discussion at the moment around identity; and the transgender debate is particularly emotional and very often ungracious in tone and language, as Hedley and I witnessed recently watching the 'Gender Wars' documentary. Identity obviously covers many aspects of life according to a google search: cultural, professional, ethnic and national, religious, gender and disability identities. And then you can find a breakdown of social identities.

We often talk here about the importance of getting to know yourself, you could say to identify with yourself, but of course we are including the spirit alongside the physical, and we are also taking into account the Tapestry as well as our understanding of purpose, responsibility and acceptance. So, I think the more important word to consider and identify with is 'individual' as we understand it here and which should help to take away all the sharp edges of debate and allow people to respect and appreciate diversity and difference.

If more people got to know themselves better through applying truth to who they are and how they are, and working through any weakness or limitations that are uncovered, I think there would be a more peaceful and tolerant discussion about identity which would enable views to be heard without offence taken or insults thrown.

More truth about yourself also allows you to be more sensitive to others so that you can pick up on the vibrations and other signals that might indicate a difficult or even dangerous situation. So, truth is key which will also give you strength to stand up for who you are in a gracious and dignified way.

In the future when people are listening to and learning about the teachings of the Foundation there will surely be such relief in the simplicity of the answers to the complicated questions humans currently pose for themselves.

At the end of the day, you should be who you are; you should stand up for your views and beliefs and be accepted by others in doing this.