Territory and Conflict - Strength and Mercy

Photos: Kuranda and Daintree River Queensland

Most people have had "negative" experiences of the territorial nature of the human species.

Even this statement is an act of intellectual territorialism...However, to articulate is to share also; herein lies the paradox. What really holds territory? As in what is ultimate territory? A traditional answer is "the divine". 

How then do we experience the divine personally, and as a collective, without needing to win the competition for the truth?

The strength of ones convictions, (as experienced in feelings, sentiments, and abstraction) is the foundation of ones experience of reality. And so what is to unfold when two or more people; who are highly convinced of their reality, inhabit the same space?

Is might right?

We can look to 'Social Etiquette' as the genre of human behaviour that demonstrates the necessary negotiation towards harmony.

The risk, however, is that an 'established etiquette' (the substance of a culture) works in favour of some, and not others.

As we move through different subcultures, in what ways can we maintain a foundation strong enough to withstand change?

How can we 'cultivate' ourselves in such a way as to keep our humanity intact and maintain integrity?

Compromise is part of integrity. Strength and Mercy necessarily compliment each other; and it is intelligent to practice them in equal measure.