|
|
|
|
A Spiritually Enlightening Online Magazine ISSN# 1708-3265
|
Index
Meet Our Staff
Free Subscription
Donations
Come Shopping
Advertising
Archived Issues
***OUR NEW FORUM***
|
     |
Different Drummer and Diversityby Marlene Buffa Henry David Thoreau shared the concept of "marching to the beat of a different drummer " many years ago. Sequestering himself to Walden Pond, he sought secret solace in the civilization of his beloved Concord while proclaiming to the world his solitude. Thus he revealed by example that the drummer within each of us dares to march out of step with the rhythm of the world, yet falls back into the paces of the society that bears his discomfort. When we venture to not only hear a different drummer, but to follow that beat as though it was our own, we really create our own score, our own cadence. This demonstration of individuality announces loudly to the world that we believe in the passion which propels us. Our present society places much emphasis on the ever-ambiguous concept of "diversity." Diversity from what? As individuals, by the nature of our genetic makeup, we are both identical and distinct. Comprised of 46 chromosomes, we all share common human characteristics. We may have different skin tones, but we have the same number of bones, muscles, nerves, etc. Surely, the "stuff" of which we are made cannot be diversified. Diversity tends to indicate pigmentation and the degree of melanin is an accident of birth. Diversity also points towards different cultures or societies—again, largely an accident of birth. Better to celebrate what a person exercises control over in his or her life than to focus on that which cannot fluctuate. Studying diversity might rather be better served if the concentration were on the "different drummer" within each of us instead of factors determined by birth.
We've all heard a song and kept repeating the words and melody in our heads for hours afterwards. Haunting our minds for a time, the song permeates our thoughts yet eventually dissipates. We either tire of repeating it or humming, singing or whistling the music, or we find something else to preoccupy us. Yet, the song of ourselves cannot escape us. Some days we sound like minor tunes extolling our sadness to our friends, while on other days we represent a light, major-key melody, happy with life. The musical arrangement of "you" may change from day to day, but your melody—your makeup, your foundation—remains intact. You cannot preoccupy yourself or forget your melody, but you control everything about it. Thoreau's drummer represented only one aspect of how we relate to the world. The pace of your interaction with the world around you bears significance, yet life involves more than timing. Just as an aria contains flourishes and dazzling arpeggios, your life resonates the brilliance of your creativity and expansion beyond a simple melody line. Dissonant chords as well as augmented chords add character and style to your song of life. Most people don't hear their own music, don't sing their own words, don't follow the beat of their OWN drummer. Music offers us infinite combinations of notes, chords (relationships), timing, harmony and more. Just as our own lives stretch beyond any finite concept of "diversity", music reaches into our souls to demand we generate our own unique song to the world. No one sang your song before and no one will sing your song after you are gone. When you hear clearly the music of your soul, your melody defines you, your beat moves you forward and your harmony finds your place in the world. Fortissimo! Sing out loudly, who you are!
Taking a quiet sideways glance at life, Marlene offers insight through her words from experiences. A student of new-thought
teachings, Marlene finds practical spirituality around every corner
and seeks wisdom through observation of life's inter-relationships.
Sometimes playful, sometimes poignant, always thought-provoking, her writing inspires readers in meaningful ways. Her first book entitled "Full Tummy, Empty Bladder, Warm Bed," is now available for purchase. Visit her website at: www.wordsofmind.com |
Copyright (c) 2008 by Timeless Spirit Magazine. All articles are the copyright of the particular writers and cannot be reprinted without their expressed permission. All rights reserved. International copyright laws prohibit reproduction of or distribution of this page by any means whatsoever, electronic or otherwise, without first obtaining the written permission of the copyright holder. We retain legal counsel to protect our copyrights.
Any advice given is for informational purposes only.
