Multi-Faceted Beings

Most of us are taught to define ourselves as one thing. Not surprisingly, in this world of global capitalism, we often define ourselves using our chosen profession: I am a doctor, I am an accountant, I am...

We are not encouraged to recognize that we are multi-faceted, perhaps like a beautiful quartz crystal or diamond. Is there only one way that that a crystal must be observed? Shall we only observe a diamond head on? Do you not still see beauty in a crystal as you shift your perspective, when you shift your focus to a different facet?

Imagine in your mind picking up a crystal to look at it. What is the first thing that you do?

I immediately begin spinning it, moving it around in my hands to see how the light hits it at different angles. I pass it from one hand to the next, turning it every possible way to see what little mysteries are hidden within.

Now think about a person you fascinated by, or someone you love. Don’t you do the same with this person? You tilt your head one way or the other, looking at them from different perspectives. You witness them in their seemingly infinite complexity. You notice how they change from day to day, mood to mood, moment to moment.

Modern economics has taught us that specialization is the only true path. How old were you the first time that you were asked, “what do you want to be when you grow up?” How many times have you heard someone repeat the phrase ‘jack of all trades, master of none’. Why must we focus only on one thing and label ourselves accordingly. This is a shallow view of the wonder that is the human being.

I won’t discourage you from specializing. If you have one passion or skill that stands above the rest, by all means focus on it. Our world would be a little more dull if painters and musicians did not master their crafts. Buildings might not be as sound had architects not dedicated themselves to geometry and physics. Perhaps one of those architects plays the violin in her free time. Maybe a painter enjoys running, or singing, or cooking.

So the next time you behold another person, remember to spin them around in your mind and look at their other facets. You may just find some little rainbow hiding inside that doesn’t conform to the singular definition of who or what they are.

I am a Human Being. I am not defined by what I do or how I earn my money. I am not defined by a singular facet, even it if is the largest and most pronounced in my persona. Are there not other facets that catch your attention?

And what can you say about the other lifetimes that I have lived on this planet? And the lifetimes on other planets? Am I not those things as well?

I, my friends, am infinitely complex…

and so are you…