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An Introduction to Interconnectedness

Belief in Higher Power

This is the first in a series of articles on commonalities across religions. In the introductory article for this series, we refer to these commonalities as “common threads” because they are woven throughout human history and reflect the fact that we are all made of the same fabric. However, there is great diversity and beauty in the many different colors of dye observed across cultures and belief systems.

Bridges across Humanity

So many religions, so many paths to reach the same goal. I have practiced Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, and in Hinduism again, the ways of the different sects. I have found that it is the same God towards whom all are directing their steps, though along different paths.

Concept of One God

Religion is often associated with the concept of God, but there are many different conceptions of God. Children are naturally curious about different religions and can easily incorporate the concepts of different religions into their lives. As adults, we should also be open to learning about different religions and respecting the beliefs of others. All religions are essentially searching for the same ultimate truth, even if they use different names and metaphors to describe it. We should embrace diversity and pluralism in religion, and see different religions as different expressions of the same human yearning for meaning.

False Narratives

I am very fond of reading commencement speeches at universities. One of the most impactful commencement speeches that I read was by David Foster Wallace. In his 2005 commencement speech at Kenyon College, he told a story,

Finding Happiness and Meaning in Challenging Times

The COVID-19 crisis in 2020 forced us to hit the pause button on our regular lives. In the process, we were given the rare and unexpected gift of time free from the compulsive activities that drive so many of us. There was no roadmap to navigate this new normal. We were all responding differently based on our circumstances. For me, it was an opportunity to fully engage in what I call LLP: Love, Learn, Play. It’s a mindset I have been cultivating with growing conviction for several years. It is a simple but powerful framework that I apply to my daily activities, to my relationships and to my work. It helps me find happiness, meaning, purpose and a sense of wellbeing. I believe it can do the same for most of you, no matter who you are, what religion you practice, and what your circumstances are.

Flourishing and the LLP Mindset

Happiness. Fulfillment. Plenitude.

Harnessing Diversity

“Our similarities bring us to a common ground. Our differences allow us to be fascinated by each other“ -Tom Robbins

How do you experience LLP in life?

An important aspect of the LLP mindset is that it acts as if it is radiating outwards from ourselves.

Job Crafting and LLP (Love, Learn, Play)

In his classic Working, Studs Terkel went around the United States in the 1970s interviewing workers from all walks of life. Over and over again he found — not surprisingly — that work is central to our lives and that we derive a significant part of our self-image from our relationship with work. I find the volume that Terkel produced to be a timeless reflection on work that still resonates with me today.

Learning about Learning – a deep dive

“It is not knowledge but the act of learning, not possession but the act of getting there, which grants the greatest enjoyment.” – Carl Friedrich Gauss

Living Consciously aka Living with LLP Mindset

“Are you a god?” they asked. “No.” “An angel?” “No.” “A saint?” “No.” “Then what are you?” Buddha answered, “I am awake(conscious).”

Love, Learn, Play: The Triple Helix of Human Flourishing

Musical Creativity As Love, Learning, And Play

BY ADAM RUDOLPH‍

Overcoming Racism Through Love, Learning and Play

We  have described the LLP mindset, a mantra for living a fulfilled life through the pursuit of our three deepest longings: love, learning and play. In this article, we focus the lens on racism and how we can overcome it through continuing to deeply engage in LLP.

Seeing Order in the Universe

As we explore commonalities across religions as “common threads” woven throughout human history, we come to reflect that we are all made of the same fabric. However, there is great diversity and beauty in the many different colors of dye observed across cultures and belief systems.

What is Flourishing?

We often long for a state of consciousness which denotes’ life satisfaction’. At UEF, we like the word flourishing to describe this state.