“There is only one language, the language of the Heart. There is only one religion, the religion of Love. There is only one caste, the caste of Humanity” Sathya Sai Baba.
Born in a diverse country like India and having lived in multicultural countries like America and Australia I recognise how similar we all are in spite of all the differences. It’s a beautiful experience to see similar emotional responses of people in different circumstances and yet we are all so different.
I spent the last four weeks speaking about diversity with two dozen students each from a different culture, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, language and country. One aspect that stands out in all of them is a deep sense of service to mankind and resolve to make a difference in society. One student told me that she has a lived-in experience that she believes can be used to help others undergoing similar experiences. I have another student who has been in the system and is eager to share his experience and guide those in need. I have a few who are currently undergoing treatment and as part of their self-recovery joined this course and hope to be of service to others and spend their life meaningfully. There are others who work with animals and feel strongly that animal therapy can make a significant difference in an individual dealing with mental illness. Some young souls have joined the course purely with the hope to learn and make a positive contribution to society.
The strength, knowledge and love that radiates from those hearts is an inspiration for me to go back and train each week.
In the service sector be it Community Service, Mental Health, Youth Work or Aged Care, altruism is a key quality of all professionals in the field. One has to celebrate the diversity while seeing the similarity in those they serve. Professionals in the service sector are the frontline forces in society whose action can inspire action in others.
Be that inspiration, come serve your community. We are all capable of speaking the language of the heart, spreading the religion of love and serving humanity.
Sara Reddy
