The 7 Steps of Reason for Unification & Understanding

In its earliest stages, Unism more or less existed ephemerally, in the discussions and bonds between its members and followers. We have always been convinced of the importance of Unism, and dedicated to the expansion of it, as an idea and practice, for individuals and for the world. But until recently, we have lacked the sense that codifying and canonizing Unism was preferred or even necessary.

As we presently put our efforts towards refining our founding documents, and crafting our meeting notes and initial works into unified messages set in spreadable, shareable texts that (by nature and design) are meant to stand the tests of time and space, we wanted to debut a number of these core concepts in their unrefined forms. This is in holding with the spirit of Unism’s foundation; testing the validity of its course and conception against the intuition of the soul, as well as the constructs of reason and logic – by the standard of the individual, and of an informed consensus.

To wit, we share here our seven steps scale in the search for unity. These are not exactly rules, nor instructions per se, but more so axioms of reasoning that take us down the path towards a more united, understanding world.

The Seven Steps of Reason for Unification and Understanding

1) Anyone can be brainwashed.
In fact,
2) Socialization/maturation within confined parameters can itself be considered brainwashing.
To that point,
3) Until exposed to an alternative, people will remain convinced of the suitability/superiority of their default surroundings, understandings, behaviors and values.
Luckily,
4) Everyone can change their mind (no one can change another’s mind for them).
In fact,
5) With enough information and exposure (a combination of time and level of immersion), everyone and anything can be understood < tolerated < accepted < embraced.

6) The degree to which this scale (understanding < tolerance < acceptance < embrace/support) is ascended is dependent on how closely the Object of Understanding is aligned with the Golden Rule: treat others only as you yourself would wish to be treated.

7) The more we can hold ourselves to the Golden Rule, the sooner and better we can mend social rifts and actualize total world peace.

Bear in mind, these rules do not assert that “truth” itself is relative. As Unists, we do believe in the existence of a path, manner, state, and individual’s relation to a Universal Truth, as indicated/informed and determined by the stillness and edification to the human soul in the presence of it. This is made known to each of us by the sense of gravity that meets moments during which this truth is present. As inarticulate or imprecise as this at first may appear, we each have experienced this to different degrees and in different contexts – those still entirely mystified by the sense we refer to are either a) insincere or b) have not yet encountered or confronted the piercing revelation of truth, as it “moves” amidst the soul, elevating the mind, and, in some capacity, expanding one’s consciousness.

Yet, despite the noble existence that aspiring to universal truth affords, to live wholly in this truth is a measure that most individuals and communities struggle with greatly. Thereto, these rules are meant to give one pause before casting judgement or scorn upon those who were raised on or otherwise led down a path of “relative” or compromised truth, or outright non-truth and falsehood. Those for whom the sect, cult, denomination, religion, commune, persuasion, culture, or lifestyle they were raised with bears a heightened individual resonance, need to be treated with love and compassion, should we seek any chance at presenting them with a more desirable alternative. In no way can we ever imagine offering another person the specter of an alternative way of life which would first berate, chastise and punish them for the influences and ideological birthmarks of their native or learned origin(s).

These axioms show that we are all influenced by the parameters of our initial maturation. And thus, in the same way we should not blame or bear grudges against anyone for their unchosen origins, birth family, race, ethnicity, disabilities, gender, or (in certain fundamental respects) their sexual orientation, so too should we not mistreat or abuse those who are similarly products of their environment and subject to the forces of their formation.  Such behavior is not always unwarranted, as persons of adult age – given the benefit of time and access to information – can often be bound to their indoctrinations and ideologies more so by reason of stubbornness than the efficiency or validity of their learned convictions.

But this brings us to our great comfort and inspiration: humans can change – nay, grow – they can evolve, improve and excel. Ever casting off the unfit skin of their former self, reborn, wholly free of the constraints of that cage which was once fused to their very being.

Unism seeks to expedite and refine that process – the shedding of one’s former, outgrown skin, so as to lay out a path towards the ultimate form one may hold. To forge a trail along the mountain of self-discovery and self-realization that all may follow in, which avoids the traps, rockslides and predators of former such efforts.

We’ll continue to expand on each of these seven steps/axioms in future posts, as well as further establish the documents that are needed to better understand the nature, scope, intent, and practice of Unism. Let us know what you think of these or related ideas in the comments below, or by writing to us directly – email us at unismpodcast@gmail.com, or message us on twitter or instagram @theUnists

And as always,

We’ll see you in the circle.