Differentiation vs Separation

A simple seeker was mediating on the concept of separation, and how it might differ from differentiation.

“What seems to be the problem?”

“Seems to be, or is?”

“Seems to be, in the minds of some.”

“In the minds of some?”

“Yes.”

“But not in all?”

“Not in all.”

“But, if all minds are individual aspects of the one ..?”

“And they are.”

“Then ..”

“Go on.”

“How can they be separate?”

“They can’t.”

“How is this possible?”

“Different meals can be prepared from the same ingredients. Apples are apples, whether they’re served as a pie or as a sauce.”

“Or a drink?”

“Yes.”

“But different minds have varying degrees of potential.”

“Not all apples are the same.”

“So, differentiation could refer to various specific types of apples?”

“Or minds.”

“How can a mind be a type?”

“We each possess potentials that some others may or may not possess.”

“So, a mind is a mind, whatever it’s capacity or style of learning?”

“Style of learning?”

“Yes.”

“Exactly. We each learn in our own way.”

“But we each learn?”

“Yes.”

“Then our individual learning style doesn’t necessarily separate us from others, who each learn at their own pace and in their own way?”

“Yes. We may be, in some respects, different in our habits, but we each develop habits.”

“So, different individual habits, or even group habits, or social customs, don’t necessarily separate individuals or groups from each other?”

“Yes. We each and all share more similarities than differences.”

……….

A simple seeker’s note to herself

I wonder if Spirit was suggesting ..

“It was more than a suggestion.”

“Trees are trees, regardless of their type?”

“Yes, and people are people, regardless of their age, gender, strengths, size, race, beliefs, education, skills, and special talents (or lack of).”

“So, our differences don’t necessarily separate us from each other, unless we choose to let it happen, for whatever reason.”

“Yes, and in some instances, there can be very justifiable and/or good reasons for separating people, places, and things into categories. We don’t usually put young children into the same school class with older students. It’s mutually beneficial to teach younger students with others of their own general age and/or mental capacity.”

“How does this discussion of differences and separation relate to you and me?”

“In what way?”

“We seem to be so different in levels of awareness, and yet we manage to relate to each other. How can that be?”

“We’ve each intentionally developed a style, a practice of recognizing our differences, and seeking to benefit from them.”

“Would it work for others?”

“It’s the only way that will work.”

………..