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Today we live in a much more multi-cultural world than ever before. It is well known that countries like Canada and the United States are made up of hundreds if not thousands of different ethnicities. In fact, there is barely any country that has been untouched by immigration in some way.
For me living in Canada, part of the normal conversation with any new person, are the famous questions of “what nationality are you?” or “where are you from?”
While many people consider this a normal part of a social conversation, looking at this from an evolving perspective, I would like to cover with you today why this is one of the most limiting paradigms that many in the world still choose to participate in and identify with.
Thus today let us take a conscious journey around the world and within, which will lead you to find out why I have decided to be an Earthian!
The Background of Cultural Labels
I don’t think many people gave much thought to what I am writing to you about today say 200 hundred years ago or more. People usually lived in the country that they were born in their whole lives. Sure there were tribes who moved around and some people told others where they were from, but it was all harmless right?
Well not quite. From as long as we have records, people were often ostracized when they were any kind of “outsiders” or “foreigners”. People identified very strongly with their culture and found lots to be offended by when another put it down. In fact people even started wars over it. Well we have evolved a lot since then, but when it comes to judging or discriminating against someone based on their cultural background or taking offense to a cultural comment – not as much as we would like to believe has changed.
People still go around today, especially in a country like Canada and make the main topic of a conversation what background one is. While it is all fun and innocent to ask out of curiosity or wanting to learn about that culture, many people take it to other levels where it gives them grounds for forming all sorts of biases.
I know this is not quite the case in the United States, where people are very strongly encouraged to pick up the label of “I am American” as soon as their feet hit the American soil. Hence this is one of the main reasons why Canada has been often referred to as a “cultural mosaic”, while the United States has been referred to as a “melting pot”. In one country you are encouraged to hold onto your own ethnic label, while in the other you are encouraged to take on a new ethnic label. Well I have to tell you, not one system here is better than the other.
In fact they both have a huge fallacy and that is they both focus on identifying with a cultural/ethnic label.
The Fallacy of Identification With A Culture
While there is nothing wrong with sharing innocent stories about what your life was like in another country or how you experienced a certain culture, or just plain and simple telling someone where you live, too many people still today choose to identify with their background as part of who they are.
Now at first glance many may not see what is wrong with this, in fact many today still draw their pride and sense of self from this, but when we look deeper and on a more conscious level, many limits and stumbling blocks become visibly exposed with this approach.
First off, people judge other people based on their cultural background, and sometimes very heavily and unfairly. Give the average person just one negative experience with someone from another culture and all of a sudden, everybody from that culture is “you fill in the blank.”
This of course leads to our second problem, and that is that all sorts of prejudices and stereotypes arise from judgement. This would be one thing if we kept it to ourselves, but we seem to have this incessant need to share this view with as many others as we can, most of the time from our own culture of course. Think about per say when you were dating, usually one of the first questions the parents ask is “what background are they?” This will still seem like a valid and reasonable question to many parents today, but from a deeper perspective what do we hope to achieve based on this information? From my personal experience, it was nothing more than to quickly sum up the person as being this way or that way, due to the culture they came from, whether this worked to their advantage or disadvantage.
Look at what has happened to the people who came from any area in the Middle East, especially during the past decade. Due to the events of September 11, 2001, many have never been looked at the same, because we generalized what “that culture” is like. And by the way, what culture would that be? The whole continent, a particular country? Many do not even realize based on geographical basis who they are talking about, just generalize everyone who resembles what they want to assume fits their “pre-defined” picture of that label.
Thirdly, along with the judgment and prejudice, the last important point that I want to talk to you about when it comes to seeing the fallacy of identifying with a culture is separation. Yes, nothing more than drawing a line in the sand between you and them and putting up walls of division.
We are currently experiencing a shift in consciousness on this planet. We are seeing a more and more socially evolving human race today than ever before. Most of us who are waking up out of the illusion of separation, have seen over the decades and centuries enough of the damage it has caused. We have seen the tremendous alienation that led many to wars, fights or arguments. We have seen too many suffer from losing their sense of self, when their cultural label was ripped away from them.
Most importantly, those of us who are waking up today, realize more than anything that at the core and essence of our being, we are not made or defined by what country we were born in, which one we live in or what cultural background we choose to be a part of. We are so much more than this. We realize that although we can experience any part of this Earth and any customs, cuisines or traditions, we are not them – they just do not make us who we are.
Many who are not yet experiencing the shift in consciousness may see the dissolution of a label or the dis-identification with it as a loss of something – their heritage, their history, their roots. Thus they try to resist and hold on. Some may even bring in guilt onto others who try to move on, but this is simply due to their fear of not understanding that you can never lose who you truly are. You and who you really are is by no means found in the cultural background you have.
At our essence we are all the same – we are all one. And the longer we take to accept that and remove the many layers of labels, the longer many of us have to keep on suffering and living in alienation with self and others.
Removing Cultural Labels
Today I live in Canada – some would expect me to say then that I am Canadian, but I choose not to do that anymore. I was not born here, so others would expect me to identify with my European birth country and say that I am that, but I choose not to do that either. In the future, I will very likely be living somewhere else, and I will not identify as that either.
While I have no problem telling people where I was born, or where I currently live, I no longer choose to identify as either of those. As an evolving being, they do not make me who I am in any way, shape or form.
Where am I from? I am from the same place that you came from. Where am I physically living now? On planet Earth. So the best that I can offer today, and choose to label myself as is – Earthian. Yes, you heard me, I am Earthian. And what a coincidence you are too ;)
I am a spiritual being and in this lifetime, perhaps many others, I have lived on this planet called Earth. You are no different in that respect. Thus today I choose to see the bonds between us, not the divisions. I choose to focus on how much we are alike, not how much we are different. I choose to make my own experiences as I go, not blindly follow in the traditions of others.
Some may still wonder what is the big deal of wanting to identify with a culture, but I tell you this: as long as we choose to identify with a culture that is different than another’s, we choose to put up boundaries and walls between each other. We continue to hold onto the “us” versus “them” paradigm, which only leads to separation. And separation leads to alienation of the other, where we do not see them as equal, in fact we find many ways to see them as inferior to us.
This is not a vision that everyone in the world today will be ready to accept or even agree with yet, and that is fine. Remember, some people choose to evolve and move on past the “what was”, and some choose to stand still. Either way to each his own, as no one experience is better than the other. There are only experiences that serve us more or less. You always have the choice to choose what you feel best serves you and humanity as a whole.
About the author:Evita Ochel, B.Sc., B.Ed., CHN - is the main author of EvolvingBeings.com where she writes about spiritual and personal development. She hopes to inspire people, to truly live out the life of their dreams and awaken the highest version of themselves. She is also a nutritional science and holistic health expert for optimal health and longevity. Learn more about Evita Ochel or Follow Evita Ochel on Twitter.
18 Comments to “I Am Earthian!”
It is a process to remove all layers of labels you adopt to create a concrete identity. It is possible to evolve beyond describing yourself with words at all. Explore how feelings, sensations and other options enable you to rediscover your deeper self.
What a comprehensive post! ” I am earthian” sounds sweet phrase. To test person by cultral background is like to guess the contents og book by cover.
We are at the valley of conscious revolution.
Hi Evita,
I am completely moved by this article, and especially this:
“I am a spiritual being and in this lifetime, perhaps many others, I have lived on this planet called Earth. You are no different in that respect. Thus today I choose to see the bonds between us, not the divisions. I choose to focus on how much we are alike, not how much we are different. I choose to make my own experiences as I go, not blindly follow in the traditions of others.”
Evita, this is beautiful! We ARE alike – you and I – and everyone else. I do believe this too. And really, more and more every day. Especially since I’ve been writing, and connecting with people from all over the world – I am just continuing to realize how connected we all are. It doesn’t matter what color my skin is, or where I grew up, or what my religion is, or what others from my country have done. What matters you, me, all of us – at this moment.
So, I proudly declare that “I am Earthian” also – just like you, and everyone of your readers! We are much the same, especially when we look deep within…
Hey fellow Earthian, I love your post today!! As an asian in my current physical body, I am no different from any others. I also choose to view others with less separateness, ever since realizing that we are all really One. If we look into our past lives, most of us will also find that we have been of many nationalities and cultures before.
Okay, Evita, I want to know: Is that you in the photo? ;)
How about the other ubiquitous phrase, the one I love to dislike: “What do you do?” Please. I “do” being me!
Earthian. I love it. You are so absolutely right: We are one people, being people with numerous cultures and customs and habits. You are also absolutely right when you explain about judgements creating the walls that divide us and darken our lives.
As for our differences, though, I like them. They add interest, texture, color and life. They add richness. Rather than ignore them (in lieu of judging them), we could choose to have a continual celebration of them! …marveling in the fun and interest and beauty of all our varied stories. To deny these is to deny parts of ourselves.
…as long as we remain, first, foremost, and steadfastly ALWAYS, your very beautiful Earthian oneness! ;)
@ LIARA – Oh that is so well said “to move beyond describing yourself with words at all” – that is such a deep statement and one that represents a state that I hope our world is moving towards.
@ THE JOURNEY WITHIN – Great point! We do judge ourselves constantly like books by covers. It is unfortunate because there are many deceiving covers and hence one should really go deeper to be able to know if something is for them or not.
@ LANCE – Thank you so much! I have found the same thing through blogging and today I know that it has enriched me in more ways than I could have ever hoped for.
By meeting all these new people online, many of us do not see each other’s pictures and just go based on what we write. I have been convinced over and over how powerful that is as I guarantee that if we met half of the people we met virtually in real life, we would find some way to judge them or limit ourselves from being their friend or heck even associating with them. This lets us befriend and share the wisdom between different ages, sexes, races, etc. with no pre-defined judgement and see the similarities, instead of the differences. I love it!
@ EVELYN – Yes indeed Evelyn and this idea about past lives just struck me not that long ago, that yeah today I am this but in another life I was probably for sure many other races, sexes, religions, etc. And I find it kind of funny too, if all people realized that this was the case, imagine the ones that speak out against a certain race or so, there is a huge chance they were that race at some point – so there is really no need to put down anyone or anything.
When we put down others – we really ARE putting down OURSELVES.
@ JULIE – LOL Julie you made me blush….(a quick yes to your first question) ;)
And Julie just as you saw on Evolving Wellness when I wrote about the Dietary Lifestyle Labels – this topic was next in line and really I am just getting started where labels are concerned. So yup the “what do you do?” question is huge! That is usually right after or right before “what nationality are you?” So many more articles to come about this.
And you are absolutely right Julie – it is not about wanting to be all the same – there are so MANY fascinating ways to express ourselves as human beings on this Earth that if we were all the same – really what would be the point?
But it is about being able to be different and treated equally. No matter what I choose to be, to do, to have should be equally as good as what the other chooses. So that is the root of it all.
We are all “Earthian” here to express ourselves in ANY way we want :)
Labels in any form can be very limiting. The more we realize that we are all one, the more we will come to be the love that we are.
@ MARK – You got it – it really doesn’t matter what label it is, they are all generally speaking limiting and confine us to a certain state of being.
That is why even as I wrote this article, I thought to myself that “Earthian” is still “a label”. However because we still live in a society where humans describe themselves using labels, I thought aside from trying to dissociate with labels as much as possible, the least I can also do is greatly broaden mine – so far in fact, that it removes most if not all limits.
Hi Evita
I totally agree with you – there really is nothing different about us when it comes to all of these labels that we adopt.
I must admit that I have a bit of a problem when people say the first xxx [label] CEO. In my view it is just the new CEO. Period.
Here in South Africa we too have a very multicultural society – we have 11 official languages afterall!
Juliet
Beautifully expressed. I’ve had a total dislike of labels all my life and especially being judged by them. I don’t think most people realize the negative energy associated with labels, or even of our speech. Have you read Eckhart Tolle? Will be following your blog and hope you visit mine – and comment maybe? Our themes and intention are similar but it will be obvious from mine that I have creative A.D.D. and I’m new to all this technology. Keep on keeping on!
suZen from erasingthebored.blogspot.com
@ JULIET – Wow I had no idea South Africa was so multicultural!
There indeed so many ways that labels are limiting and again I think the point here for all of us to really grasp is that this doesn’t necessarily mean that labels are “bad”. If we were to say that, we would just be adding another label to judge the label ;) I think it just comes down to being conscious of whether we choose to use labels and if so how we “USE” the labels.
@ suZEN – Welcome and thank you for your valuable addition.
I really do not think as you say that most people realize how much negative energy is associated with them. Again it does not have to mean the labels themselves are bad – but it is all in how we use them.
And yes I have read Eckhart Tolle’s books and I LOVE THEM!!! Look forward to checking out your blog :)
Yes Evita ~ You are essentially right. However, your “Earthian” stance and consciousness is very difficult for people who are arriving in a new country and who originate from an environment with very distinct cultural rules and norms of life.
In the UK, “multiculturalism” has failed, largely due to the uncontrolled (and intentional) immigration system, which has deluged the country with new arrivals, many of whom resist learning the background of the country they are newly residing in – and even to learning the language.
The rapid influx of immigrants has caused them to cling together…therefore creating ghettos and areas, which become an artificial replica of the country they have left.
At the same time, the resident population, especially the older members, become fearful of the loss of their culture and therefore view the new arrivals with suspicion and fear.
Only this week, a headmistress has resigned because she tried to introduce school assemblies, which had a focus of an “all faith” worship. Many Muslim parents (and they were only a small part of the school intake) refused and insisted on a separate assembly for their own children. The Muslim Council has said that this is wrong, but the insecure parents still cling onto their own traditions, therefore depriving their own children – and therefore future generations, of true “Earthian” integration and harmony.
Your vision is wonderful, but patience is needed to slowly create it. It cannot be forced and many generations will pass before it is realised.
This is not to say that your message is in any way wrong – but that it is the ‘heaven’ to reach.
The process of becoming an Earthian is one to take gradually and with great compassion for all the beings involved.
The process and the journey toward it should be viewed as a joyous road to an eventual goal of true togetherness and each stage on it as a journey of discovery and wonder.
Politicians however seem to want to accelerate it like a frustrated driver speeding down a motorway – anxious to reach the destination without appreciating the journey…and Religious leaders act like frightened passengers, yanking on the handbrake and screaming “stop”
“And in a Mystery to be, When Time from time will set us free. Forgetting me, Remember Me” ~ ee cummings.
@ SOUL MERLIN – Hello Henry, wow and wow again I have to say first off Henry thank you so much for such a deep, wise and valuable contribution here.
I have heard of the situation in the UK, one of the ways is through other teachers who attempted jobs in the UK and found them unbearable due to the conditioning of many of the students from their cultural backgrounds.
What you say is so true…we will still have to wait to have more of the world accept the “Earthian” paradigm with open hearts and minds. It works for me, as the next logical step in our evolution and I hope that by talking about it we can show others an easier way to choose as they go through life.
I know as you say many, many cultures and religions fear change, but I have a feeling that that will continue to dissolve faster in the next few years than many of us would ever predict.
I love how you have approached this subject Henry and again I thank you so much for the wisdom that you have added here :)
I am Earthian! Does that sound like a slogan for a great tasty beer? lol
I wish more people thought like you did. I’m happy to say that I am Earthian too.
@ ROSHAN – Hi and LOL :) that is a good one! Mind you I don’t know how the beer drinking community would feel about it ;)
Thanks for your kind feedback. I try to be the change I want to see in the world.
Hi Evita, all,
I believe that there is a growing recognition of the Unity of Human Culture that is being addressed in your message and the absolute need for it to replace the current model which is based on “tribal” values, pitting one group against another.
There is a book that I want to recommend, called “Not Two is Peace” which speaks fully and eloquently on the subect.
A quote from it. “The old moral, social, and political “order” of humankind is now dead.
A new and true and right Way of order of humankind is, now, and forever hereafter, necessary. This Free Declaration is the Seed-Utterance of that new and necessary Way of true and right (and truly globally, totally, and universally cooperative) order. ”
There is a website that is a work in progress, but is worth looking at:
http://www.ispeace723.org/
Regrds,
Steve
Great thoughts. I like the idea of everybody being Earthians. On the other hand differences in individual backgrounds make Earthians interesting too.
Hi Marc!
Thank you for popping by and your feedback! It is indeed great to be diverse and able to express ourselves, BUT act as equals :)