Thirty-Seven

"A superior person cares for the well-being of all
things.
She does this by accepting responsibility for the energy
she manifests, both actively and in the subtle realm.
Looking at a tree, she sees not an isolated event but
root, leaves, trunk, water, soil and sun: each event
related to the others, and "tree" arising out of their
relatedness.
Looking at herself or another, she sees the same thing.

Trees and animals, humans and insects, flowers and
birds:
These are active images of the subtle energies that flow
from the stars throughout the universe. Meeting
and combining with each other and the elements of
the earth, they give rise to all living things.

The superior person understands this, and understands
that her own energies play a part in it.
Understanding these things, she respects the earth as
her mother, the heavens as her father, and all living
things as her brothers and sisters.

Caring for them, she knows that she cares for herself.
Giving to them, she knows that she gives to herself.
At peace with them, she is always at peace with herself."

While I recognize my individuality, I understand that it's wrong to separate myself from others. In whatever differences exist there is usually some parallel that can be drawn to deepen recognition, understanding and, eventually, community. While we are all more than the sums of our parts, each part of ourselves does contribute something integral. Without them all, we wouldn't be who we are, or grow the way we were meant to.