Living and working in Silicon Valley, I am surrounded by a vibrant pulse of diversity every day. From markets filled with food from around the world to festivals to festivals to celebrate all our cultures, it is a daily reminder of the richness of our daily experiences and how important it is to celebrate our differences. The diversity of cuisine, art, and the stories that people share remind us that what makes us different bring us together.
In my corporate job, I meet people from all kinds of backgrounds and experiences. Every conversation is a chance to see the world through someone else’s eyes. Even when we differ from or come from different places, there is always an undercurrent of our shared humanity. As someone who teaches mindfulness and conflict resolution, I know how important it is to stay open, stay curious and to help others develop my experiences.
This openness is part of what Nhat Hanh calls a “distinguished perspective.” It’s more than understanding, seeing how everything is connected. No matter how different we seem, we know that we are not separate. We are made of the same elements and part of the same net that breathes the same air. Whether we like it or not, whether we believe it or not, it is a simple truth. I’m in you, and you’re in me. And so are others.
If you forget this, it’s easy for mistrust, fear and anger to come forward. It may be easier to label someone as “bad” or “other” than to sit down with the discomfort of seeing yourself inside of you. However, these labels do not help us heal. They keep us apart.
Mindfulness helps you see these labels. Mind habits, emotions and thoughts can pass through our minds.
Instead of having them define how we treat others, mindfulness gives us the opportunity to reflect on who we want to be. It invites us to ask: how do I see this person? Am I making fear and prejudice determined? How can we meet this moment with curiosity and compassion?
This discerning perspective is not about judging yourself or anyone else. It’s honest, kind and willing to look deeper. It’s about realizing that we don’t really become part of our community if we stick to seeing others separately. Once you notice the labels you use, you start to see how we are all connected and how we support each other in ways that we don’t always notice.
I watch this every day in my work. Something changes when people feel they see and hear, knowing their voices are important and being able to hold space for others. People listen not only with their hearts but with their hearts. The wall is down. Conflict can turn into conversation, and misunderstandings can open the door to understanding.
I know that it’s not always easy. It’s fascinating to step into and go back to what’s familiar to you, especially when faced with differences. However, the teachings of Tick Nat Han remind us that this is a job. Beyond the surface, remember that there are no “others.” In fact, we always support each other, even when we don’t see it. Every kind of act, every moment of patience, is part of the care that unites us.
This is the heart of inter-being. Together, we are part of the same world and we are taking the same breath. My hope and the heart of my work is to help people remember this. To encourage us, from looking at differences as threats to seeing them as invitations. An invitation to learn, understand, and act with compassion.
So today I offer this gentle reminder: take note of the labels we have placed on others. Be kind to the part of yourself you want to judge and separate. When we choose to see each other through the lens of interbeing, we build a more caring and more overall world. I am grateful to be part of that journey every day.
