Swami Vivekananda brought the teaching of Hinduism to America in 1893. He spoke at the World’s Parliament of Religions held in Chicago. He was the most sought after speaker and made a huge impact on those present. I was wondering…is there still such an organization? Sure enough there is. Part of their mission is to cultivate harmony.

I like it. I like the idea of harmony. It sounds joyful and peaceful…no stress or anxiety involved. I want that, don’t you?

But what does it mean to live in harmony? How can I live in harmony with all others, on this planet, right now? Sounds impossible! Here are my thoughts.

Harmony by definition means to blend with. So in the big picture to live in harmony is to have a vision of the human race as a great tapestry where each thread, each stitch contributes to the beauty and vibrancy of the whole. It is about acknowledging the essential nature of all living beings and being respectful of our differences. To live in harmony we have to believe that all sincere ways of being are valid ways to live.

Let’s bring it a little closer to home. In practice, living in harmony means to be curious, to listen, to make an effort to understand, to find a way to be with each other, to seek the common ground beneath the outward expression, to take a wider view of life, to accept that each of us is essential, to invite differences as a way to enriched our own life.

To live in harmony is to sing clearly and with great joy while keeping an ear open to every other note being sung by every other living soul…a great living movement of the universe.

What if we tried living alongside…not separate and not united…just alongside. I think it’s possible. Harmony. I like it.

Love…Paula