Something is wrong with my thinking? I think.

I am up early. I'd wanted to check in on you/your thread.

It can feel a bit devastating to realize, or to be reminded, we may not fit into the world around us. We look for the strength to continue, and hold out, with some hope that we will, one day, "become normal," we can fit in.

Many years ago now, in the 1980's I believe, there was HUGE movement to "de-institutionalize" those who had mental illness and were very vulnerable to succumbing to a chronic pattern of "institutionalization." At least one of the ideas behind this movement was/is the idea that those with mental illness were to be integrated into the community, instead of being placed into settings where they will feel isolated or feel "deficient," and/or feeling and truly being, separated from their community..

Those then advocating for the mentally ill had argued the idea that the mentally ill , in fact, are a very important segment of the "normal" population. Their "differences"/their" "deficiencies", both perceived and very real, are not always unique to those labeled as "mentally ill." Many of these"traits" were, in fact, very similar to, or the same as, traits shared within communities. These types of realizations supported the movement in "freeing" many /most,(of those tagged as mentally ill,) from the isolation, the "shame," and a myriad of additional "negative" experiences associated with feelings of, and many symptoms of, feeling the deep pain related to a generalized sense of a "lack of acceptance."of which we all might suffer.

.I believe there is a deep well of pain within any/every human being, and even within any sentient being, related to, or caused by, the experience(s) of a sense of "Separation."
This idea of the fundamental source of deep pain is a topic,is an issue, that is often addressed by many religious groups and other types of communities. There is acknowledgement, and to some degree, acceptance of this idea might, in fact, be a source of intense pain. Various groups or individuals often attempt to address this very fundamental feeling, or perception of, the pain of separation.

While we all feel the pain of separation, to varying degrees, both conscious and unconscious, including feelings of separation from community, separation from family, separation/abandonment of Self, we can move beyond the pain of" perceived separation." This very real and deep source of pain, our illusions of "Separation" keeps us imprisoned, holding us back from realizing the Truth of Oneness, which promotes both mutual acceptance and self-acceptance.

Once we are able to drop the illusion of "Separation," we can feel a deep sense of belonging, a true sense of acceptance of self and of others. This shift toward a sense of belonging, a sense of true acceptance of self and of others, allows for a greater sense of belonging and engenders a more healthy sense of community.

While we each, and we all, may at times feel we do not fit in with what we (and others might) perceive as "normal," we are greatly served by realizing and then dropping/discarding this illusion of separation.

Please forgive my inept attempt to address what I feel is a critical discussion for the healing of the self and for the healing of communities. I believe our choices are born of either "Love" or of "Fear." Choices born of Love (charity) for self and for others present us with the opportunities for increased consciousness, for further insights into healing, as well as the freedom and encouragement to be our best selves. .Choices born of "Fear" keep us unconscious, keep us imprisoned and encourage us to continue to serve illusions which cause us great pain and suffering.

Love to All ~