Human, from Earth.
It’s a funny thing, being originally British, and now living the United States. July 4th always brings mixed feelings.
People often ask me how I feel about it, and I really don’t have a great answer, because the true answer I do have doesn’t really sit well with people.
Honestly, for me, July 4th is not a celebration that is easy for me to explain. The whole concept of being ‘proud’ of being from somewhere isn’t something that resonates in my soul, because ‘being from somewhere’ is not guarantee of anything.
I’ve met people from both countries who are kind, striving to serve others and doing their best to be an enlightened peacemaker. I’ve also met people from both countries who are cruel, selfish and destructive.
National identity is not a promise of anything, it’s just a statement of fact, a facet of geography that tells me nothing about who you are as a person.
If being ‘from somewhere’ creates in you a sense of responsibility to be a better person, and serve others, then I’m glad for you. Unfortunately, I often see being ‘from somewhere’ as a reason to feel better than someone else. It’s tribalism at its worst, and trust me, that’s never a recipe for anything good.
When people ask me who I am and where I’m from I’m often tempted to reply ‘Human, from Earth”. That might sound strange to you, but honestly, that’s the way I feel.
I hope I am a product of the profound learning and caring that we as a planet have produced. I regard myself as a human rather than as a member of a country, because it reminds me of my duty to everyone, not just those who are of ‘my country’.
This internet that allows me to share my words with you is not limited to one country, one race, one creed or one philosophy.
Rather, it allows me to share with all countries, all races, all creeds and all philosophies. In that way, the all becomes one, and in accepting the responsibility to share whatever gifts I might have, I have to consider myself as a part of the all that is one.
In short, where I am from is nowhere near as important as where I am going, and who I am choosing to become. My geography doesn’t define my identity, my decisions and choices do.
See, I told you my answer wasn’t an easy one, nor is it necessarily a popular one, but it’s the one I have.
If you are celebrating today, I wish you joy, happiness and safety. May you find peace in your soul, and may you share it with others.
-- Dr. Alan Barnes
@maddrbmusings