When things are similar, we look for differences, and vice versa. It’s in our nature. We want to be "different," but not so different that we verge on strangeness that is either laughable or repulsive. We think our differences are a key strength of character. Hold on a moment. Let's think about this.
For individuals, differences are boon and bane. Look in the real and figurative mirrors to see how you are similar to others. Then look at those you encounter to find your doppelganger. Probably bugs you a bit, doesn’t it? There you are, thinking about your special nature, your individuality, and there someone else is, a compilation of physical, emotional, and mental traits very similar to yours.
Of course, you are truly different if only in small details. The larger issue is that just as you find both joy and suffering in what you are, what you encounter, and what you do, there is someone out there who has a connection to your joy and suffering.
The connection doesn’t diminish what you are. Rather it should give you some perspective on what you might think is any personal end-of-the-world crisis.
No one is free from crisis. No one lives a life of uninterrupted smoothness. You and your several doppelgangers swim in a stream both calm and turbulent. When you hit the white water and bounce over the cataracts, look around. Maybe there’s a helping hand held out by someone who has experienced similar turbulence. Maybe you have that helping hand.
For individuals, differences are boon and bane. Look in the real and figurative mirrors to see how you are similar to others. Then look at those you encounter to find your doppelganger. Probably bugs you a bit, doesn’t it? There you are, thinking about your special nature, your individuality, and there someone else is, a compilation of physical, emotional, and mental traits very similar to yours.
Of course, you are truly different if only in small details. The larger issue is that just as you find both joy and suffering in what you are, what you encounter, and what you do, there is someone out there who has a connection to your joy and suffering.
The connection doesn’t diminish what you are. Rather it should give you some perspective on what you might think is any personal end-of-the-world crisis.
No one is free from crisis. No one lives a life of uninterrupted smoothness. You and your several doppelgangers swim in a stream both calm and turbulent. When you hit the white water and bounce over the cataracts, look around. Maybe there’s a helping hand held out by someone who has experienced similar turbulence. Maybe you have that helping hand.
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