​It is Only Natural: Revisiting a Post from Ten Years Ago

Author Note: This revised and edited post from 10/13/2015 seems to be a perfect fit for this week’s message, when I only had a scattering of ideas for a new piece and a limited amount of time to write this weekend. Enjoy!
We humans have a built-in biological need to name and sort every single thing we encounter, whether they are people, behaviors, emotions, animals, plants, inanimate objects, fungi, storms, or illnesses etc.

On one hand, classifying allows us to make that comfortable personal connection and identify kindred spirits; however, in many instances, assigning a label is equal to placing judgment on them. In a very simple way, this automatic categorization makes it easier to discredit them, and in that instant of identifying the differences, we have created “the other”. They are not like me, and they don't think like me; therefore, I can disregard, ignore, ridicule, and dislike them.

Governments, religions, businesses, and organizations have long ago learned to capitalize on this basic human biological characteristic by developing propaganda that perpetuates the cycle of identification, distrust, formation of alliances, and hate.

How then can we escape the trap so easily set by our own natural inclinations?

I believe that becoming aware of this tendency is probably the first step. Every time you find yourself in a difficult or uncomfortable situation, stop for a moment and ask yourself, “Will my actions bring people together or will they divide us even further?” Whenever you have that awareness that the person in front of or beside you is completely different from you, smile and meet their eyes. If you find yourself automatically labeling someone you see walking down the street, stop and recognize your behavior. 
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​And when you are ready, go even further:

• Be willing to ask questions when you hear something that strikes you as disrespectful or senseless, instead of immediately labeling them as the “other.”
• Be willing to be the person who stands up for all those others who are not able to defend themselves.
  
• Be willing to identify an injustice and challenge the misconduct behind it.
• Be willing to make those personal connections that may feel uncomfortable.
• Be willing to walk in another's shoes.
• Be willing to be the person who sends unconditional love into the world.

It can be that simple. Send kindness. Send humility. Send your humanness. Send your creativity. Send your fierceness. And yes, send your love without expectation, and you will be surprised at what comes back.

DRC News

Thank you!
Shouts of thanks to Boyden Brook Body Works in Canton for their sponsorship of $500! We are deeply grateful for their continued support of our work. If you know of a business that may be interested in joining them in sponsoring Deep Root Center, please get in touch. Every contribution goes directly towards our promise to accept any child who needs us, despite their family’s financial situation. You can also learn more by clicking the button. 

Sponsorship

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Weekly Wrap-up
The DRC Crew had a short week and we caught very little of the action in photos. 

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DRC Pop-ups
The DRC Pop-ups Peeps have hopped onto the Pop Dart trend and had a great time playing for most of their time at the Massena Library on Thursday. 
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All homeschool families are invited to join them next Thursday 10/23 back at the Massena Library.