Uniter/Divider?

“There are three kinds of people in this world:  those who are good at math, and those who are not good at math.”

This good-natured tease of the old trope that the people of the world can always be broken down into two groups is one of my favorite jokes. I love how the joke itself can’t quite seem to get it right, and how—in a roundabout way—it makes fun of that seemingly constant need that we humans have to divide ourselves, often into two opposing groups.

In recent years, I’ve noticed a theme in my life that keeps reoccurring. In this theme, I am offered a choice: do I wish to accentuate the differences between two people or two groups of people, or would I rather focus on the similarities between those same, supposed opposites? I find myself, as I get older, more and more choosing to focus on what unites us rather than what divides us.

Please understand that I haven’t suddenly purchased a very expensive pair of rose-colored glasses through which I am now choosing to see my fellow humans. I still bear—as so many of us do—the scars of many a past encounter with various people who caused either inadvertent or intentional damage. I have seen what fear, envy, jealousy, hatred, contempt, and mindlessness can do. Through it all, however, I have never ceased to be amazed at how much there is—underneath all of these differences—that we share in common.

I have also come to learn about myself that the value I hold in perhaps the highest regard is the desire and need to seek out, nurture, and support a connection with my fellows. If I were to allow myself to constantly be distracted by the differences between us, I would never be able to make that value come to fruition in my life. So, I find myself, more and more, choosing to find the things that unite us and that allow me to make connection with others.

Music is certainly high on the list of ways that I attempt to do this. The success—or lack thereof—that I may have at any time is difficult to assess. After a lifetime of using my head for virtually everything, I’m learning to use my heart for these sorts of things; and, inso doing, I am learning the value, usefulness, and beauty of the heart. If I can find and appreciate this in myself, then I will be much more able to find and appreciate it in others.

So, I look forward to connecting with many of you in the future as we explore this music together.