Strangeness

        "What is strange? As an individual, what is strange to you? When people travel to different countries, there is a widening of acceptance of the different ways of doing things. Being exposed to other cultures, it is somewhat easier to have a range of tolerance though some of the things viewed may seem strange. We are affected by the culture, environment and family that we are born into and that exposure affects us in some ways all our life. Some individuals move away from family ideals and take on new ideas, but there is still an imprint of the family in some way.

        Should we accept that which is strange to us? Perhaps it is a belief or a daily way of living. Perhaps it is a type of living that incorporates rituals that seem odd and definitely foreign. It isn't necessary to accept, but it is wise to try to understand and tolerate the beliefs of others. In doing so, there is a communicative connection that cannot otherwise be there. We can teach the children morals and guidelines, but at the same time, we can expose them to the fact that all beliefs are not alike. Understanding a belief does not mean it has to be accepted but in most beliefs there is some truth that one can connect to in the interest of furthering understanding.

        How often do we put space between that which is strange to us? How often is there isolation? There are abilities that abound on this planet that are not being used fully because they are not accepted. Too often the unusual, the strange, is rejected and turned away from. Sometimes it is fear, sometimes it is just the unsettling feeling that our own belief system may have to be re-arranged to add to it certain new ideas. So many times there is a flat disbelief of new things, new abilities, or rather old abilities showing themselves again. There is no room for an idea to be considered because the door has been closed.

        In the future, there will be many new ideas which will come forth on earth in such a way that we will have to re-think our ideas about ourselves. Sometimes there will be ideas that come forth subtly and sometimes they will be more bold. We are not saying that all new ideas must be accepted, but it is necessary to be less judgemental about 'strangeness' in order to understand. Never considering another idea or way of being allows no room for growth of new ideas, and, unfortunately, those who try to open minds to consider new things, are often laughed at and ridiculed. As we go forward toward the new millennium, begin to open up the door to new ideas so that the strangeness and newness of these ideas can at least be considered."