Humans love duality. But there is great beauty in the grey that lives between the lines.

Black and white. Good and bad. Evolution and regression. We are hard wired to categorize. To pick a team and stick with it. It’s our way of making sense of the world. But too often this inclination to self-identify only serves to isolate and divide — working at cross-purposes with our competing desire to more deeply connect with our fellow humans.

So what happens when we resist the urge to judge another? This week on the podcast Julie and I peer beyond dogma, belief systems and categories to embrace the grey.

Consider it a thought experiment in forsaking judgment for empathy as a path to better understand others and the environments we co-inhabit.

Specific topics include:

* creating and cultivating community

* the difference between discernment and judgment

* enhancing sustainability in consumer choice

* finding your authentic voice

We end the episode with a rendition of the Hedy West song 500 Miles by Julie (aka SriMati) and our boys' band Ana Leimma.

I sincerely hope you enjoy the conversation.

Peace + Plants,

Rich