I wonder a lot about how generations appear to divide or separate. I also wonder about what occurs where one age cohort seems to have difficulty recognizing another. When we look at older and younger folks in relation to ourselves, we often notice stark contrasts. With each passing year, trends change, technologies shift, and viewpoints diverge. What happened to create these rifts between us? I pen this piece to share my take on this phenomenon.
If we embrace the concept of Earth School and it offers us the opportunity to learn via contrast, then what a fantastic way to learn by that of a gap between generations, or age groups. We choose our family before birth, as well as many significant people, places, and things that will afford us much in the way of spiritual growth. Where we jump onto a historical timeline is our choice. Curiosity, karma, being of Service are just some reasons why we would choose a specific era with its set of traditions. The location also bears fruit. When you consider all the details of who, what, when, and where you grow up you begin to better appreciate how life enriches you.
Your childhood, adolescence, and adulthood — your upbringing and teachings — are your “story,” your who-you-are. You might identify with your age cohort, distance yourself, or veer in a completely different direction from them. There is no good or bad regarding this; a soul’s preference bears riches with any choice made. In this piece, however, I am focusing on those who have identified with their generation.
Trends, shifts, modernization, advances appear with each passing year. We find ourselves getting older. Our preferences might change, we might be forced to accept a new style or manner, yet we do remain true to our story in that we cannot erase who we have become. People might try via Botox, lifts, and tucks, but their generation is as intrinsic to them as is their birth date found on their driver’s license. A generation might be forced to adapt to newer methods, yet retaining original values and preferences is often chosen and preferred. It is easier to remain you with your accumulated wealth of a story than become the flavor of the month or year.
As we age, we see our elders and we see our young ‘uns. Where has time flown? We find ourselves having more difficulty understanding the young ‘uns than we do the elders. We’ve been bridging, or have at least attempted to bridge the gap with the elders, for they were our authorities in so many forms: parents, teachers, neighbors… the list is long. Now, we find ourselves with the younger generation. They are new and have a set of eyes quite different from ours. Our worlds appear separate. Perceptions are different and communication is a bit off. Despite the generation gap experience, we can see it as a huge opportunity to work very hard to understand “other.” Go to the other generation’s shoes and be they. Compassion and empathy develop and bridges can be created. Any forces attempting to divide people via “generation gaps” do not have sovereignty. Instead, take control of apparent difference, division, disparity by using your curiosity to meet an intriguing other generation head-on with Love. I believe gaps can be filled with Love if one’s heart is pure and the intent is to find similitude.
Pong. A video game that predates Pac-Man. It’s a jumping-off point. I see the generation whose children played it. I see the generation who played it. I see the generation who never heard of it. Each soul learns from their respective era, they choose whether to learn from their elders, and as they age, they choose how much they will learn from their successors. To bridge, or not to bridge… I recommend bridging the generation gap for all it’s worth! We are One. We have so much to learn when we unite with inquisitiveness and true interest in another generation’s experience.
If you find yourself separate from another in this way, make a call, pen a piece. Span a divide and find it is an illusion waiting to be dismantled. You might just find that the one you did not understand has more in common with you than you thought.
I support you.
~Joanie
