In Diversity We Trust

Steven Reiss in his book, " Who Am I" tries to define some basic desires that define us; the stuff that makes us tick, the characteristics that make us all different from each other. Who knows where our desires come from, genetics, upbringing, our soul, previous lives, meaningful life experiences, etc. Fact of the matter is they are there and they can certainly change over time. The author boiled our basic desires down to 16 categories, and looking at them they seem as reasonable as any other list: the desire for power and independence, your curiosity, your desire to be accepted. Your desire for order and savings. Your notions of honor and idealism; the relationships that define you such as the social contacts, your family, and romance. Your strive for status and vengeance, your love for food, physical activity and tranquility. Steven Reiss includes sex in romance whereas I would have kept those two desires separate. In any case, the list is pretty comprehensive and these idiosyncratic cravings define who you think you are.

As a society we are becoming more diverse and that is a good thing.  In the 60s, for example, we just had a few TV stations with a small number of sitcoms, music shows or news channels. So 60 percent of the population could easily tune into particular shows. Compare that with today when every viewer is confronted with countless media outlets. The principle applies for work as well. Our options are becoming ever more multi-faceted. We have several careers, maybe more than one educational degree, and 70 year span of learning and working to look forward to. We have the options of part-time work,   sabbaticals, consulting jobs, etc. Social media outlets and technological help such as 3d printing and robots increasingly allow us to become our own entrepreneur.

All that variety is designed to allow you to specialize; carving out who you were born to be. The sooner you figure out what truly makes you tick the better. But don't worry, life will do that for you. Life has a habit of channeling you into a meaningful direction. Sometimes you seem to fly, on occasions you curse along the way, but always should you be able to find meaning in what comes your way. Life will let you know what your mission is. There is always a perfect work for you, a perfect home, a perfect lover and perfect friends. Taoism is the trust that life steers you in the right direction if you only let it. You will like the way you turn out to be; a perfect niche is waiting just for you.

Spirituality tends to assume that there is a path to follow, the way of the Buddha or the way of the Christ amongst many others. Taoism maintains we already had the Buddha and the Christ,  now there is time for you to shine. There is only your way! Don't be afraid to develop your idiosyncrasy; we need you to show up in the game of life. If there is one principle that you should look for behind all your cravings, it is love. Love for what you do, love for the people you hang out with and love for following the Way. The Second Coming is really your liberation. Show us how you can focus your 17 cravings like a laser into just one dimension, love.  There is a way, your way and the Tao will show you how to get there. In diversity we trust because we trust in you!