It is possible to say that our world will never be the same because of a group of heroic, courageous, and fearless leaders, the US Navy Seals, who put their lives in harm’s way in order to end an era of toxicity which was led by Osama Bin Laden. I am not here to go on a political tirade, nor am I am going to discuss my beliefs on what will manifest as a result of our actions, but what I will do is share an interesting philosophy. On May 1, 2011, the United States of America began celebrating the death of an infamous figure, who was responsible for one of the most viscous and tragic events which has taken place in the history of the world…9/11. But as the United States culminated with cheers of joy, there were people in other countries who were not rejoicing, but rather paralyzed with anger and pain. The same event happened in the same world, but yet, people from two distinct geographic areas and beliefs, interpret these events completely different. This obviously held true on 9/11 because as the United States suffered and mourned the loss of so many people, (and our sense of security); other countries raided the streets in fits of joy, excitement, and the illusion of power. Once again, the same event took place in the same world, but yet, people from two distinct geographic areas and beliefs interpret these events completely different. So although there are a plethora of lessons which can be discussed from what took place, I believe most of these principles are on a macro level and somewhat abstract if applied in our everyday lives. But as I was working out early Monday morning, and the nine flat screen TV’s in my gym were all echoing the same sentiment about the events from the evening before, I began to think about what YOU AND I can learn and integrate into our lives. And then it struck me…
The same event took place in the same world, but yet people from two distinct geographic areas and beliefs, interpret these events completely different.
Whether the “event” was the end of Osama Bin Landen’s life, or the Yankees winning the World Series, or the changing of power in the House, these are all events that represent the law of DUALITY. One group celebrates, while the other suffers. Same event, same world, different interpretation.By no means am I comparing the Yankees to Osama Bin Laden, but I wanted to emphasize this point, and then help you realize where this COULD be showing up in your life. Those of you who are blessed with the fortune of love and intimacy by means of a marriage or relationship may have had this exact same experience surface at some point during your life. For example, has there ever been a time when your significant other asked you to spend an evening doing something that you really did not want to do? Your immediate reaction may have been “NO or NOT INTERESTED!” That moment represents an event where the premise of DUALITY is flagrantly obvious as you celebrate your fictitious victory by “not giving in,” while your significant other suffers. This could also “show up” in your career, your relationship with your children, with your personal health, and many other areas as well. What I encourage you to recognize is that there are ALWAYS two sides to each event, one that celebrates and the other that suffers. So why is this so important?
When it comes to Osama Bin Laden, some would say justice has been served, while others believe that a monumental leader has died. This might be an extreme example, but regardless how many times have you asked yourself, “How will the other person feel based on my actions (or inactions)?”
It comes down to a simple premise to live by…CONSIDER the perspective of others! I know the macro event of Osama Bin Laden does not even compare to telling your significant other that you do not want to consider their request, but on a micro level, within your relationship, it means the world. So my challenge for you is the following…
Today or tomorrow, operate from a place of consideration, where you literally put yourself in the shoes of the opposing party, and think about how you would feel based on the action, or inaction, that will be exerted from where you were prior to making this shift. This philosophy is something that will yield magnificent achievements in your life because it will have you recognize the power of duality, which I define as…
For every action (or inaction) there are two perspectives present, one which celebrates and the other which mourns.
Therefore, prior to the action, or inaction, place yourself in the perspective of the other party and then ask yourself this question… “Is it worth it?”
When it comes to Osama Bin Laden, the answer is obvious and I want to commend the US NAVY SEAL, and our entire country, for never giving, never backing down, and for BE-ing an example of what is truly possible when you combine a vision and never give up mentality…I am proud of our country.
But for all of you…HOW DOES THIS SHOW UP IN YOUR LIFE?
What does this mean to you? Please leave a comment.
Some pictures from Flickr.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
I must say that you haev obviously thought very deeply about this significant event of May 1st, Jared. Everytime I watch your videos, I am amazed at how well you are able to communicate your thoughts into spoken words. You have been blessed with the gift of oratory like no other I know, and it all good – very, very good! Thank you, Jared!
This is so very interesting to me, Jared. Here’s why . . . when I first heard the news, I was relieved that justice had finally been served. However, the fact that people around the world were celebrating someone’s death seemed really odd to me and although I knew deep down inside that it was inevitable for him and that the world is a better place now that he’s no longer in it, it still seemed to not sit well with me that people were rejoicing. I guess it goes back to Ghandi’s quote, “An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind.”
I guess what I’m trying to say is that there was definitely a moment of ‘duality’ within myself. On one hand I was relieved and thought that it was about time such a despicable person was brought to justice but on the other hand, uncomfortable that so many of my fellow man-kind were celebrating the end of a human life.
Thanks for posting this article. It’s very thought provoking and one that will help me keep things in perspective in all of my relationships and teachings — helping us to all be better human beings and remembering that a more loving, kinder world really does start within ME and ‘what if the shoe was on the other foot!’
Jared,
What if we invented OBL as a collective object of all our fears? What if others invented him as a collective object of all their hopes for power and control? A collective sigh of release of fear on one side, a collective gathering of loss of control and fear on the other?? All questions….I do believe we ought to mourn the loss of this tormented and tormenting human being. If we are all one, then he is part of us….
Connie