What is it that drives the human need to be “special,” or to be “the one” who can do something like no other?
Classic example: finding that “one and only” love. Why does there have to be only one? Is it ego? Insecurity? Cultural conditioning?
I’m not saying it’s wrong, I’m merely posing the philosophical question.
As a child, I was told I was “special,” but that’s a lonely life, being smarter than others, or more “gifted.” Anytime you’re put on a pedestal, chances of falling are high and chances of feeling like you belong are low.
It’s been interesting reprogramming my brain to accept the fact that I'm no better than anyone else. We’re all special in our own ways. Every human has a spark of creation, everyone has something to offer.
Maybe a secret loses its potency the more it is shared, but is that the same with a person’s attention? If that were the case, then a parent with many children would find their love diluted. But is it? I don’t think so.
The more we feel and share love, the more love we have to give.
So why does one person need to be more special than another? Why do we feel the need to be superior, to be valued over someone else?
We are constantly given examples of this “one and only” paradigm. Neo is “the One” in The Matrix, Disney princesses shine brighter than any of the other characters, and superheroes eclipse “normal” people in comics and recreations.
Sure, these are movies, but they’re the stories we tell, stories that are just as accepted in our daily lives as the horrors the news feeds us.
Are these archetypes speaking to us as individuals? Are they serving our evolution, encouraging us to rise to the inspiration of being smarter, stronger and faster, more kind and courageous?
Or are they creating more separation, more desperation for those of us who don’t see our gifts quite as easily—unrealistic expectations to which we can never measure up?
I don’t know if I have any answers here, but I’d love to hear your thoughts.
We are each unique in our own ways. I think if we acknowledge that, compassion, tolerance, and understanding will come easier to all of us.
Thanks for reading. :)
Whatever happens, keep singing your song!
Photos mine unless otherwise credited.
Author bio: Katrina Ariel is an old-soul rebel, musician, tree-hugging yogini, and mama bear to twins. Author of Yoga for Dragon Riders (non-fiction) and Wild Horse Heart (romance), she's another free-spirit swimming in the ocean of life.
