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What makes us human? What defines us as a species? This week's Spiritual Newsletter has a look at humanity...
kittiara |
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What makes us human? Some people say it’s our capacity to love. However, I don’t think love is unique to the human race, I think animals are just as capable. Consider the love of a mother cheetah for her cubs, or swans who stay with the same partner for their entire lives. Those who have pets will be able to vouch for just how much love their friend can give.
Some people say that what sets us apart is our intelligence, and a percentage of those people reason that animals purely act on instinct. I cannot agree with this. Again, living with pets convinces me that not all their actions are merely instinctual. Still, it is clear that humans have made the largest impact on this planet out of all the different species. We’ve built skyscrapers, computers, nuclear power plants. We’ve developed modern medicine to increase the lifespan and wellbeing of all of us, and we’ve invented weapons of mass destruction to aid our wars. I’m not sure that everything we’ve invented is of benefit to us, but invention and critical thought are definitely part of being human.
I think that what makes us human is our urge, even need, to look beyond self, beyond the short span of life, beyond our world to find answers, and reason, and a sense of what is next. Whilst doing so, we look inwards at our own belief system, our morals and actions, driven by the desire for self-improvement. I think that human beings are, by nature, a spiritual species. From our earliest days we’ve looked at the sky, and the world around us, to find the meaning of life, and the reasons for our existence.
There are many aspects to being human, some beautiful, some less so. We feel the need to communicate, bond with others, express our thoughts and feelings, and to share our ideals. We love, we dream, we hope, we dance, we sing. We also fight, and argue, we get angry and destructive, greedy and territorial. Human beings are complex. It doesn’t help that modern society seems to increasingly limit our expressions of our humanity.
Whilst laws and rules are essential to a functioning society, the limits and standards we impose on ourselves can have a negative impact on our very being. We criticize others because they do not wear the “right” clothes, or hairstyle, or live the "right" lifestyle. We criticize the way others live, from the furniture and decorations of their homes, to their cars, their careers and their holiday destination. We criticize those who have different views from the norm, those who are too loud, or too quiet, too sociable or not sociable enough. We mock those who are too thin, too fat, whose colour of their skin, teeth, and general looks do not live up to our ideal of beauty and acceptability. Where diversity and self-expression were appreciated, even needed, to get our species to where we are today, nowadays you have to fit in to be accepted.
It’s no wonder that an increasing amount of people find themselves depressed, or anxious, or like they are just not good enough. With the availability of the Internet, a sizable portion of people has turned to their computer for solace, in the hope of finding acceptance for who they are and to find those who think like they do. In a way, this can be helpful, in another way it’s a bit tragic that our species cannot be more accepting of the wonderful variety of individuals humankind has to offer.
When searching for meaning, and a definition of self, it’s completely natural to look to something greater for answers. However, this should not stop us from looking around us, and finding beauty and meaning in what we see… including those amongst us who might be a bit “different” from the norm. After all, who defines the norm?
kittiara
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The Spiritual Newsletter Team welcomes any and all questions, suggestions, thoughts and feedback, so please don't hesitate to write in! 
tonistar - Just wanted to say that I enjoyed reading your newsletter. It is one that I will reread again; made me think about life a bit more...I especially liked the words..."Life is short. You don’t have to take big, impossible steps to achieve a goal, if that’s too scary for you right now. You can start small. One step at the time can be just as brave, and have just as big an impact. It’s taking that first step that matters…"
God Bless,
Ann
Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback, Ann! I very much appreciate it and I'm happy that you enjoyed reading my newsletter. It's very encouraging! .
~~~
Prosperous Snow celebrating  - Thank you for the encouraging newsletter and the encouragement. This is just what I needed this morning to get me to take action.
Snow
Thanks so much for your kind words! I'm happy my newsletter was of help to you .
~~~
Incurable Romantic  - Kit,
Another excellent newsletter. "Taking that first step" can indeed be a bit daunting. I loved your entire newsletter the subject of getting out of one's comfort zone. The challenge many will face is applying your wise ideas to their situation.
Thanks for a wonderful, encouraging read!
Thanks so much! You're always very encouraging, and I appreciate it .
~~~
Wishing you all a wonderful week, filled with inspiration,
The Spiritual Newsletter Team:
larryp, Sophurky  , kittiara
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Spiritual: February 04, 2009 Issue [#2870]
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