Everyone BelongsFebruary 18, 2015

The recent events in America and Europe would make us pause and wonder if amicability is no longer relevant. Many societies in the West are becoming multicultural, which is the main reason why Harmony Day is thought of. Although this is held on March 21, there are more reasons to believe that this should be honoured all year round. Many activities are planned out, all of which would help Australians understand the word.

Here are what some authors thought of harmony:

“Faith and love are apt to be spasmodic in the best minds. Men live the brink of mysteries and harmonies into which they never enter, and with their hands on the door-latch they die outside.”

- Ralph Waldo Emerson

"The road to health for everyone is through moderation, harmony, and a 'sound mind in a sound body'.”

- Jostein Gaarder

“You are only afraid if you are not in harmony with yourself.”

- Hermann Hesse

All of the above may sound fuzzy. Some may wonder how these words could be related to recent happenings. Let us put it in another way by coming up with creative means of understanding the word better. Here are some suggestions:

Find a pen friend from another country. Before the advent of Internet, having lots of pen friends from other countries is the best thing to have. Travelling is expensive, so a letter is a good alternative. It's interesting to know about different cultures, most of which are rather strange. But you'll see similarities. In fact, the lines became blurred after the end of the second millennium. This hobby would be difficult to sustain nowadays. E-mail and social media should have made it more convenient, but most of us have priorities (and other interests). Go ahead if you're young, and if you're not so young, then keep on trying (after being ignored or rejected).

Try to make your social circle more diverse. This suggestion poses lots of challenges. We tend to be picky when it comes to the people we want to befriend. Some would impose their own values. This defeats the entire purpose of the campaign. If you've been to places, then you must have realised the importance of an open mind. Don't close the door right away. If you've been by yourself, then it's not a problem. Wait and see. Don't expect much. Be patient. Always remember to enjoy the moment. Don't look too far ahead, as you want to meet new people. They might turn out to be good mates. Never fear that something bad might happen along the way. (Be positive and charge it to experience.)

Always look at the bright side. This is easier said than done, especially after what we witnessed. Can we still believe that the world can be a better place? Do we have what it takes to live as one? It's possible if you care at all.

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