The Greatest Illusion

Zahra, 24, Lahore, Pakistan

(in response to Pallavi- To Live As One)

Pallavi,

I recently watched "Avatar: The Last Airbender" with my little brothers (I wonder if you have seen it?). They said something in the show which reminded me of what you wrote. "The greatest illusion is separation." I am sure the creators took it from somewhere but I feel separation is an illusion and it is an illusion created and maintained by a few for their benefit.

This world is full of separation: class, gender, religion, race, ethnicity- and these separations are maintained by violent systems of oppression which beat the humanity out of those who are victimised under them. Weakness and strength are illusions as well because whoever seems weak might actually be the strongest if we listen to them.

We are all connected by real, human experiences and a lot of our pain is the result of experiences and lessons we were given as youth which some bury inside and others try to heal their wounds with incredible strength. 

We can all live as one when many people commit acts of love, courage and care towards ourselve and each other in a world threatening every trace of vulnerable love and naive kindness. 

When many people resist, these systems of violence will break apart, the illusion of separation will float away and we will be able to live as one.

Thank you for taking a step towards that world. My name is Zahra and I am glad to meet you. :)