Me, We, You,I, Us and Them- Inclusion begins and ends with each one of us

“Everyone has a place. If we do not realize this we are not living in an inclusive world. Divisions are created by fear, anger and ignorance.” 

― Independent Zen

As i continue having many dialogues, sensitization sessions and interventions to promote inclusion in and amongst people, it has dawned on me gently but surely that inclusion has to go beyond the obvious. The discussions around unconscious bias and trainings on inclusion and the many conferences on D&I will bear fruit , rich and vibrant fruit, if it can push us into adopting certain first principles and behaviors.

Here i capture some of them, which i have had the privilege of learning from the very audience, who i am very often invited to speak to and address. The collective wisdom on inclusion is abundant, what is required is conscientious action and purposeful behavior from each one of us to make inclusion a basic human commitment and value.

1. Curiosity - How often do we show real curiosity towards people, practices which seem unwelcome , strange and may be even disturbing
2. Appreciation - Can we look at diversity in all it's various forms of manifestations from clothes, food, language,nationalities, generations, gender, and develop the ability to appreciate genuinely and warmly.
3. Respect - Each one of us can check our own pulse on how respectful we are to people who are different from us?
4. Trust - Can we trust people who are different from us to have the most fair and honorable intention towards us, can we also reciprocate the same.

From being closed to curious, from being judgemental to genuinely appreciate, from feeling superior to being respectful and from being suspicious to becoming trusting, the journey of inclusion will need these conscious shifts from us.

In the current VUCA times, inclusion cannot be a virtue to be highlighted, or a training program to raise awareness, but a behaviour and a practice that each one of us needs to learn and apply. And this will become a possibility only and only if we encourage everyone who feels marginalised, excluded and left out to follow a few first principles too.

1.  Equal : You are no less than anyone else, so think equal

2.  Quit :doubting your worth and and quit hiding

3.  Usher in yourself, claim your space, don't wait to be invited. Be there.

4.  Ask for a place , your place at the table, at the stage, at the podium, at the race.Ask just ask.

5.  Lead with your light, from wherever you are, for no darkness can diminish your inner light.

It will take all of our collective will and conscious behavior, readiness, willingness and courage to change , that will truly bring an inclusive and equal world. We deserve it and our children and their children deserve it too.