Welcome back to this weekly (as opposed to weakly) attempt to “Occupy the Blog-o-Sphere” each Thursday. I offer this hopefully uplifting message to brighten your day and bring something buoyant into your life. As you move through your day with a renewed outlook, may you pass it along.

I just finished reading Garth Stein’s book, The Art of Racing in the Rain. A line that is often repeated by Enzo, the narrator (who happens to be a dog) is appropriate for the message I wish to leave with you today: “The car goes where the eyes go.”

How often do we hear some version of  “us versus them?” We’re very good at pointing out our differences; we’re not so adept at recognizing our similarities. If you only focus on the differences between us, you’ll never notice our kindred needs and desires.

Why make a fuss over this? “Different” doesn’t mean “better than,” but how often is it used to make one person, group, or country feel superior to another person, group, or country? Wars are waged over differences, not similarities. “The car goes where the eyes go.”

This week, let’s remember that we all live on this one planet, giving us common ground on a very basic level. Yes, we are different from one another. But those differences need not be a source of contention; they are, indeed the root of our collective experience. We are ALL different, which makes us the same. Do you see the delightful paradox?

Perhaps as you view this enchanting short video, our commonalities will become clear, even though you will see people from all over the world.

Regardless of the culture or country, what commonalities did you see?

Click on this link to find out more about joining Soul Dipper’s cyber-movement to lighten up and brighten up our world so you can decide if you want to be part of it.