Why Unique and Universal

Or: What do I mean by the phrase "Unique and Universal"?

Welcome! Or Welcome back to those of you who previously subscribed to InspireBytes—my blog for over 10 years. I’m writing weekly again, and I transferred everything here so you are already signed up for the free subscription of Unique and Universal. Hooray! It’s why you’re getting this email. It’s good to be back!)

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Being the first post, I thought we should start with why I created the title “Unique and Universal” for this new writing endeavor.

Given that my passion involves exploring what it means to be human (across multiple genres, from different perspectives, and with an evolving understanding) it seemed to me that it was the one phrase that applied to every person I’ve ever met. Regardless of age, race, gender, nationality, ability, appearance, etc., every person I have ever met was unique and universal… because every human is both unique and universal.

Both and.

Not either or.

Not one or the other.

Both and.

There is a pervasive belief among many people that the world exists predominantly (if not exclusively) in a binary way. Male-female, up-down, hot-cold, etc. While these examples are obvious, they are also only examples of the two furthest ends of the spectrum on which the world exists. In fact, they’re so far apart that it may be more accurate to say that they are only two pieces of one whole. Ultimately, this means that nothing is binary, because in order to be whole, both sides (and everything in between) need to be included. But that’s an essay for another day (and an aspect of a book I’m currently working on).

No, very few things (if any?) are truly binary in this world, even though most of the systems of society are built on the duality model. And when it comes to human beings, they are so much more than the duality often placed upon them… so much more, that is, until we can zoom out to the highest possible height and see the simplest of truths that applies to everybody (every body), in other words, all human beings:

Everybody is unique.

AND

Everybody is universal.

Everybody is unique and universal.

You are you. There is nobody else like you. Even if you had an identical twin, you would still be different. You are, therefore, unique. The stars conspired to make you in the exact moment, at the exact time, in the exact way that you were made. Uniquely you.

You are also part of something so much greater than you. Therefore, you are universal. You are a human being, living on a floating rock in the middle of darkness as it perfectly anchors itself to the only light source available in order to create and sustain life. As a human, your emotions and problems and experiences are universal because they are part of the human condition. Your body is also universal because it almost always has the same parts all the other bodies have, making it possible to create things like clothes, food, and medicines that most everyone can use.

We are all unique, and we are all universal… because we are all human at this moment, in this life, on this planet. There never needs to be a conflict between the two because both are true. Unfortunately, creating conflict between being unique or being universal is all too commonplace. (It’s also how a lot of companies make money. They need you to want to be anything but yourself in order to sell you something. But again, that’s a post for another day, and again, maybe a book—though that one’s not yet started. Which brings us back to today…)

When I decided to start writing a regular column again, I knew it had to be focused on what I’ve always focused on: the human experience. Throughout my writing, I explore what it means to be human in one way or another—whether it’s through nonfiction, poetry, fiction, or children’s books. In all our messy glory, we are a truly unique species on this planet, capable of horrific, blood-curdling things, just as we are capable of creating miracles and pathways to awe. We are unlike any other species on earth, and yet, we are also just like every other species on earth. Living, breathing, consuming, and contributing to the overall experience—for better and for worse. Again, in that way we are both unique and universal.

In my forthcoming posts, I intend to share my experience, thoughts, insights, and teachings in a way that is accessible, motivational, entertaining, and most of all, empowering. My hope is that you will find moments of truth in each piece that inspires you to think differently, make new choices, or simply take a moment to reflect on your own life a bit. 

I will draw on my varied background and expertise, as well as my own personal journey, to share with you in a way that invites you to see just how unique you are while also honoring that the human experience is a universal one. Whether the words I write are more logic- and science-based, or heart-centered and spiritually-enhanced, they all come from the same place: to be of service and to inspire.

So what do you say? Care to join me as we walk this road together? I’d love to share my words and my world with you.