Labels as Limits

I met a wonderful woman the other day; an Assistant Manager at the video store next to where I got my hair done in the patented “Spikey-Dykey” haircut that works well for me. Wandered into the video store after my haircut, browsing the pre-viewed (read: “cheap”) videos, and got to talking with her.

A true Sister in the rainbow tribe, and of the spirit; she and I discovered the many layers of connection between us. I gave her my card, and am hopeful a lovely friendship may bloom down the road, when she’s done with her Master’s Degree, but realized that even to have met her only for that day’s conversation was a profound gift from the universe. The insights that we inspired within each other and exchanged were deep and touching.

One of the topics we discussed was spirituality – which can often be a dicey exercise, as so many people think spirituality and religion are the same thing. In my mind, they are not. From my perspective, spirituality is the set of beliefs within a person; their guiding principles, source of inspiration and place of renewal and hope within the heart and soul. Religion, as I see it, is the formalized power structure that emerges over time to support what originally began as spirituality. Or, to put it simply, spirituality is personal; religion is political.

An insight with which I was gifted during our conversation, and which has stayed with me, is that as soon as we begin to label something, we begin to limit it. Originally, I was referring to spiritual beliefs – trying to pigeonhole one’s beliefs into a nice neat category is sometimes frustrating (especially for those of us like myself who take a broadly multi-cultural perspective on things).

I realized, however, that this concept – labels as limits – has the same power of truth within our broader lives. I’ve been challenging myself to let go of the need to label – and it’s been an enlightening experience. I’m pretty good about refraining from labeling other people most of them time – though right-wing homophobic haters can get my blood boiling, admittedly. Even with them, I’m trying to remember that not only are they ignorant, they don’t SEE their own ignorance, and so for them it doesn’t exist. Rather like Mister Magoo in the old cartoons… And I also remind myself that I too have my blind spots, and don't even realize I have them, and thus strive for compassion.

The bigger issue, though, is the one about labels within OURSELVES, having to do with our own hearts, minds, and lives. It’s amazing how easy it is to simply categorize aspects of who and what we are (often without realizing it), and thus in labeling, immediately limit ourselves. I challenged myself to begin anew to view things in a different way. The Universe craves balance, and in every challenge, there is also opportunity and potential for growth and/or joy. I am meditating deeply on that truth this week. Blessings to one and all!