MLK Jr and A Meditation Master – A Lesson in Diverse Citizenship
As we continue exploring our theme of Intentionally Thriving, we would be amiss if we didn’t spend some time on relationships – as they often are the bedrock of how we experience our lives.
Instead of focusing on the benefits of positive social relationships (friends, partners, family) we’re instead going to hone in on the value and importance of having a diverse and deep range of folks that you not only connect with, but whose welfare you deeply care about as well.
In other words, the wellbeing and thriving factor of Diverse Citizenship.
Diverse Citizenship is the desire to make a difference in the community around you, as well as have openness to differences in others. And this is one of the key factors associated with thriving that we can bring change and intention to – if we want to.
What better way to illustrate this than Martin Luther King Jr himself and his relationship with meditation teacher and master, Thich Nhat Hanh. Although short in nature, the unlikely bond between these two leaders – one a Vietnamese monk, the other an African-American minister and activist, was built on the shared vision of peace for all, acceptance and openness of one another, and belief that change could be made – but only as a community.
Thich Naht Hanh described one meeting with MLK JR as:
“We were able to continue our discussion on peace, freedom, and community… And we agreed that without a community, we cannot go very far. Without a happy, harmonious community, we will not be able to realize our dream.”
It is with these words that we hope to continue the work and vision of these two exemplary, peaceful humans through our own intentional actions. And by doing so, see how greater Diverse Citizenship can help cultivate a sense of thriving for all.
And here’s how to start today!
- Truly value differences in others – bring a sense of genuine curiosity and openness when it comes to meeting new people – particularly those whom you may write off at first or that you deem different than you. See what you can learn and be surprised (perhaps even inspired) by. And be sure to regularly check in with any biases that may get in your way.
- Connect and relate to others from diverse backgrounds – go out of your way to create experiences with folks from a variety of backgrounds. Sit with different people at lunch or meet someone new for dinner. Attend an event that you might not typically go to. The key is to shake up your routine and expose yourself to a wide range of people, classes, events, and learning that can broaden your perspective of the world.
- Believe you can make a contribution in the world, and go do it – we often think that any action that we do individually won’t make a real difference in a big way. But if we all contribute in the small ways that we can each day – be it through random acts of kindness, recycling, or standing up to injustice – with time and communal effort, change can and will happen – and we might even be surprised at the impact that individual actions can provide to folks.
If two people, from two different countries, speaking two different languages, fighting for peace in two separate wars, can come together and learn and be inspired by one another, we too, can make the decision everyday to reach out to others who we view as different, to be open and curious, and see where you might be able to make a difference – and do it together.
Deep gratitude and respect for Martin Luther King Jr and Thich Nhat Hanh for showing us the way.
Sending strength,
LB