Being different together means deeply connecting with others by expressing your own way of being human. It’s an embodiment of availability: expressing yourself without censorship or shame, and welcoming others without resistance or defensiveness.

 

This expression and receptivity are often stifled by mental constructs, such as ideas about how things and people should be, conditioned perceptions and responses, and a preoccupation with safety and security. 

 

Seeing these mental constructs as "mere constructions" enables an uninhibited expression of your own way of being human and an unconditional connection with others.

 

Being different together is a path of existential inquiry and self-recognition. When faced with a "different other," you gain access to new perspectives on reality and yourself. Our differences can touch us in unknown and unpredictable ways, thereby deepening our self-insight and self-awareness.

 

This way of being together requires a radical rethinking of our ideas about love, self, feeling violated, safety, care, purpose, truth, honesty, and authenticity.