Celebrating Differences: Diversity and Conflict on Our Soul's Journey

Interpersonal conflict can be a challenging part of our human experience, but it can also be an opportunity for growth and learning on our soul's journey. When we approach conflict or a cultural clash with a mindset of reverence that every experience we encounter is a part of our earthly curriculum, we can begin to celebrate our differences and navigate conflict with greater ease.

Celebrating our differences means embracing and valuing the unique perspectives and experiences of others. It means recognizing that every person we encounter has a different soul journey and that each experience, even the difficult ones, can teach us valuable lessons.

When we approach conflict from this perspective, we can view it as an opportunity to learn and grow. Instead of becoming defensive or angry, we can seek to understand the other person's perspective and find common ground. We can celebrate our differences and recognize that they are essential to our journey toward greater understanding and connection.

One of the key benefits of celebrating differences in conflict is that it helps to reduce defensiveness and promote mutual respect. When we approach conflict with an open mind and heart, we create a safe space for others to share their perspectives without fear of judgment or rejection. This can lead to more honest and productive conversations where both parties feel heard and understood.

By embracing the idea that every experience is a part of our earthly curriculum, we can also develop greater empathy and compassion for others. We can recognize that everyone is on their own soul journey and that their experiences have shaped their perspectives and beliefs. This can help us to approach conflict with greater understanding and a willingness to learn from others.

So, how can we celebrate differences in conflict on our soul's journey? Here are some strategies:

1. Practice presence: Give the other person your full attention and genuinely try to comprehend their perspective. Being truly present is the ultimate gift to give and receive because it enables us to establish a deeper connection with others, which is what most of us crave the most: connection, to be understood, to understand, to see and be seen.

2. Show empathy: Try to put yourself in the other person's shoes (and historical trauma) and understand how they are feeling. Validate their emotions and acknowledge that their experiences are valid. 

3. Look for common ground: Even if you disagree on certain issues, try to find areas of agreement or shared values.

4. Avoid personal attacks: Stick to the topic at hand and avoid making personal attacks or assumptions about the other person's character or motivations.

5. Practice self-reflection and REST: Be aware of your own biases, assumptions, and triggers. Take time to reflect on your own perspective and how it might be influencing the conflict. And take good care of yourself. When we don’t have enough rest, we are much more likely to act in ways that betray our higher selves and cause those triggers to fire. According to longevity expert, Dan Buettner

The happiest people sleep between eight and nine and a half hours a day. If you're sleeping six hours, you're about 30% less happy. —Dan Buettner, longevity expert and the author Blue Zones

We can navigate interpersonal conflict with greater ease and grace by celebrating our differences and recognizing that every experience is part of our earthly curriculum. We can approach conflict with an open mind and heart, seeking to learn and grow from every experience along our soul's journey.

PS: If you’re dealing with a narcissistic person or society, that requires a different, more tactical approach. I'll write more about that later :)