<<The Sun, the Moon, and the Galaxy are neither superior nor inferior; they are indispensable. We can only create the world by coexisting.>> In Love Like the Galaxy.
Although these celestial bodies are different, they are equally necessary for life on Earth. Thus, all human beings, regardless of their place of origin, culture, beliefs, diverse physical, emotional, mental, or social abilities and conditions, are intrinsically valuable and interdependent. No person is above or below another.
Humanity is inherently diverse (just like the planets in our universe), and it is precisely this diversity of perspectives, talents, and cultures that makes us resilient and integrated whole. We are part of an interconnected whole, where individual well-being is linked to the collective, and harming one group affects the entire network of living beings.
From the literature reviewed the concept of coexisting, it appears that there are different ways to define it and that the verb tolerate is often used. Personally, I prefer to avoid definitions that use the word tolerate. The definition of tolerate implies bearing with patience; allowing something unlawful or unjust, and enduring or putting up with something. In my experience, when people practice tolerance, what they usually do is prolong suffering and delay the explosion, which puts their own existence and the coexistence of others at risk.
In this post, I present the concept of coexistence based on the writings of Alarcón Carvacho (2023), Krause, G. (2022), and Schlesinger Faccini (2020). Coexistence is not the same as convivence. Both have to do with social relationships, but they have different intentions.
While coexistence focuses on how relationships are maintained to enable living together, convivence focuses on how people come together to build a future. Coexistence can thus be seen as a prerequisite for convivence: to live together effectively, we must first learn how to coexist.
Coexisting is the action that enables us to live with other people in the same place or community, and convivence promotes interactions or bonds between people within that community. Promoting coexistence allows us to strive for our own and collective well-being.
Coexistence between people is observed naturally in childhood, with early signs of mutual trust, mutual acceptance, and mutual nurturing. Depending on our learning experiences, we may or may not maintain these innate human processes.
Authentic human beings are aware of who they are, know how to nurture, accept, and trust themselves, which makes it easier for them to coexist with who they are and with other people.
HOW TO REMAIN AUTHENTIC HUMAN BEINGS:
- Regularly pausing in silence to attune to our senses and emotions.
- Validating the shared psychosocial reality of our coexistence.
- Reducing or avoiding practices that exclude, prejudge, compare, dominate, or imprison ourselves and others.
- Consistently practicing congruence in our personal and social lives.
- Exercising solidarity and responsibility, understanding responsibility as the ability to respond and act appropriately.
- Developing a strong sense of belonging within relationships (family, partnerships, friendships, work, social circles). Ideally, this includes joining groups that prioritize both individual and collective well-being.
- Intentionally creating moments of positive interaction across all areas and dimensions of human life.
Fostering Coexistence in Challenging Circumstances
How can we promote our personal development and coexist when circumstances challenge coexistence?
- Consciously choosing to reduce or avoid practices that foster exclusion, prejudice, comparison, domination, or control
- Accepting ourselves and addressing everyday challenges by aligning actions with available needs and resources.
- Cultivating self-awareness and critically evaluating our understanding of ourselves and others to ensure congruent actions that promote coexistence.
- Developing the habit of taking advantage of (or scheduling) any encounter with other people to enjoy and appreciate that moment of coexistence (for example, competitions in any field, community service, commemorative or organizational events, festivals, workshops, greeting neighbors, colleagues, etc.). Every moment and place offers an opportunity to practice human processes of coexistence.
- Interacting with others with self-respect, embodying the principle of treating them as we wish to be treated
- Engaging in active listening and empathetic communication.
- Actively participating in initiatives that foster healthy coexistence and convivence.
When we coexist, we include all people, even those with seemingly contradictory or opposing attributes. Their existence is validated as part of the whole, united and connected, fostering these shared attributes (authenticity, validation, communication, collaboration, and love) in all areas of life for all people. Furthermore, seeking support from a mental health professional can provide valuable guidance through these human processes at any stage.
“It’s the failure to see this planet as a single entity that causes so much pain so many times. You cannot attack one part of the world without it affecting the whole earth, the whole body. Attacking other cultures, other nations, is a self-destructive act. It always comes back on you in some way.” ― Gorillaz, Gorillaz: Rise of the Ogre
References:
Alarcón Carvacho, P. (2023) ¿Coexistir o no coexistir? Ese es el dilema a resolver para una vida personal y planetaria más saludable y feliz. LIMINALES. Escritos sobre psicología y sociedad / Universidad Central de Chile ISSN 0719-1758 ed. impresa. ISSN 0719-7748 ed. en línea. pp. 103-122 105
Krause, G. (22 de diciembre de 2022). Definición de coexistencia. Sus principios, la convivencia y tolerancia. Definicion.com. https://definicion.com/coexistencia/
Schlesinger Faccini, A. (2020). Convivencia y Coexistencia: Dos conceptos sobre la reconciliación. Monografía de grado para optar por el título de Magíster en Construcción de Paz, Escuela de Posgrados de la Universidad de los Andes en Bogotá, Colombia.
