My spell check didn't think inclusivity was a word. But, since exclusivity is a word, I deem inclusivity an even more important word. I like it more than inclusiveness because, by flying in the face of its opposite, it is self-defining.
Therefore, inclusivity is a term I will continue to use in my writings, as a way of overcoming some personal pain for those of us who have been on the receiving end of harshly unfair treatment, because of exclusivity policies and other subhuman practices.
The thing about being excluded is that we can choose to take it in stride. Because it is hurtful, most of us would never want to turn around and be exclusive toward others. Pain can prod us to compassion.
Others, however, just want to become an exclusivist (another new word and you're welcome), choosing to continue to live in fear of risking loss through inclusivity. Pain can also create competition.
A person who is willing to share has true power. We are not merely abundant. We are the energy of abundance itself. By letting go of our insecurities and competitiveness, we can realize that there is a place for everyone. In spite of what the pessimists say, this Earth is big enough for all of us.
Being accountable means being willing to consider losses as lessons and, the more expensive the lesson, the more there is to learn within it and the more valuable it is to us.
We should all seriously consider our tough times as education. Letting go of the hurt is a process, a negotiation. It is often a struggle and it's never easy, but we must do it. Find the lesson. Ask, 'how can I move forward?' If we do this, eventually, the pain is integrated and we can move forward. If we want to be happy, we must to be willing to sublimate some of our worst hurts and fears.
So, what about the people who have been included in most things? Do most of them take it for granted? Or would they be eternally inclusive?
If you have gone through life so far without ever knowing the pain of not being wanted, not being included, not being welcomed or given attention, be grateful. Some go their entire lives feeling unloved and unaccepted.
Many books have been written and movies have been made about the person who has been given so many advantages in life but is not grateful for them. Beastly, for example is a modern day version of Beauty and the Beast. We all witnessed it in high school - the popular kid, who ridiculed the 'uncool' people in favour of his or her own lookalikes and who also often initiated the exclusivity policy.
If divine grace intervenes, everyday villains do get a taste of what it's like to be an outcast and they have a change within them, making them more compassionate. If they don't choose to find the lessons, darkness takes over and they become something like a villain from a Disney movie ... on the inside, anyway. We all know those people, don't we?
I like to think that most people start to lighten up at a certain age and they encourage their own children to stay light-hearted as well. I hope most kids get to hear things like, 'don't worry, be happy, eat an apple every day, walk your dog, say your prayers, be nice to people...' and so on. I am so grateful that I heard those things as a kid.
I want to instill in my son the sensibility that we are all in this life together as brothers and sisters, whether we know each other or not.
In times of mass devastation, complete strangers take care of each other, save each others' lives and even risk their own to save others. Mother cats nurse orphaned puppies. Enough said.
Just because I don't know someone personally does not mean that they are not a reflection of the same light that I am. If we can just appreciate that we are better off treating people how we would want to be treated, we'll choose the compassionate response.
As we have become a more inclusive culture, we have come a long way in terms of progress, but we must continue inventing new words and ways to take care of each other.
