DIVERSITY.

There is skin color, race, gender, ethnicity, sexuality, interests, family dynamic, religion, physical abilities, in addition to so many other “labels” and kinds of grouping that I do not have the means to cover in this minute blog post. (please feel recognized my sweet friend) Terms that tend to divide us as a people. Quite stereotypical and customarily assigned terms that do have the power to separate, however coexisting with a unifying power so positive and beautiful because of one truth, we are each deserving and precious humans, despite this often misconstrued concept of diversity at hand.

“Our unity is our STRENGTH & diversity is our POWER!” – Kamala Harris

At times we encounter those who are what you could easily consider rather “uncultured” or uneducated on the matter. Instead of chastisement or ignorance to an individual of this accord, this opens a blessed opportunity for us to play the part in helping them with what they may not understand yet! This act in bridging the gap proves considerable tolerance in the scheme of things and a leap toward ceasing the persecution that this uneducated bunch has historically put out.

To bring the word “yet” to surface once more. I love the capacity of this simple three letter, one syllable, word. One might not recognize diversity yet. One may not feel comfortable living their diversity yet. One may have never encountered the spectacular medley of people in society. These things are okay. That’s the beauty in yet, it connotates that the goal has not been completed and that there is a finish line in sight. A finish line that only presents further paths to journey down.

All these diverse sights that Sabs and I were able to see in Salt Lake are parallel with people. People are amazing, every single one of them. They each have their story, experiences, environments, and hearts. Stories and attributes that are discovered from talking to someone that you don’t know already or maybe even an acquaintance that you do not know as well as you could! I am often dumbfounded and struck with keen catharsis in these beautiful moments, connecting with a fellow human so unalike and alike at the same time.

Of course, Jake had to include a songity-song on the topic! 🙂 In referencing, “Where is The Love” by the Black Eyed Peas, there are a few lines in the lyrics that pinpoint attention to diversity that a lot of us may have missed, caught up in the beat or distracted from the rhythm (that’s 1000% okay, music is undeniably sustenance for the soul).

“Take control of your mind and just meditate
And let your soul just gravitate
To the love, so the whole world celebrate it”

A part of my heart wishes that I could have done this post a little differently and planned for something. Taking pictures of different and unique individuals around the city. Brainstorming a little photo journalism project to come. Let me know if you want to join, the more the merrier! A sequel, a chapter two of sorts, to come my friends.

I love to imagine that neighborhood. Not the perfect neighborhood, but one that embodies joy, understanding, acceptance, and LOVE! Embracing the diversity and eccentric traditions that come out of each front door. We have the ability to start small with these actions, which can spread to every neighborhood and every community!

“Diversity is the one thing we all have in common- celebrate it every day”

I love this idea of celebrating diversity. An invitation to be vulnerable enough to show and live our diversity on a daily basis. I hope that you can find moments or even a lifestyle of living your truest diversity and encouraging the totality of diversity in your community.

Grateful for the things that make you, you! Share share share the things that make you, you!

-jake