Why Inclusivity Matters on the Spiritual Path

One of the most profound truths we encounter on the spiritual journey is that everything fits—our joys and sorrows, our strengths and weaknesses, our moments of clarity and confusion. And this truth extends beyond just our personal experiences. It also applies to the broader human experience and to the Universe itself. Inclusivity isn’t just a moral stance or modern buzzword; it’s a spiritual principle, one that flows from the fact that like the whole Universe, we are all deeply interconnected. To exclude anyone is to deny a part of the whole—and a part of ourselves.

At its heart, spirituality is about identifying with—and as—something greater than ourselves, whether we call that Spirit, God, the Universe, Truth, Love, or simply the mystery of being. But that identity isn’t limited to the divine, because the divine isn't limited; it extends to each of us and everything. Every person we encounter is an expression of the same sacred reality we are seeking to know. To practice inclusivity is to honor that reality in everyone, even when it challenges us.

The Wisdom of Wholeness

In traditions across the world, the sacred is often described as whole, complete, and indivisible. In Christian mysticism, for example, Meister Eckhart spoke of the unity of all creation with God. In Buddhism, the principle of "interbeing" teaches that all things are interconnected, that nothing exists independently. And in Indigenous traditions, there is a profound respect for the interconnected web of life that includes humans, animals, plants, and even the earth itself.

If we are to take these teachings seriously, then inclusivity is not optional. It’s a spiritual imperative. It calls us to recognize that no one is outside the circle of belonging—not the person who irritates us, not the stranger who seems so different from us, and not even the parts of ourselves we’d rather not face. Wholeness—love—demands that we make space for it all—because there is.

Inclusivity as a Mirror

The people we exclude—whether intentionally or unconsciously—often reflect something we have not yet accepted within ourselves. This is the essence of shadow work, as described by Carl Jung and expanded upon in many spiritual traditions. The parts of others that we judge, fear, or reject are often the parts of ourselves we’ve buried or disowned. By practicing inclusivity, we create opportunities to confront and integrate these hidden aspects of our own being.

For example, when we encounter someone whose worldview clashes with our own, it’s easy to dismiss them as "other" or "wrong." But what if we paused and asked, “What is this person showing me about myself? Where am I holding rigidity, fear, or judgment?” Inclusivity invites us to move beyond the surface and engage with others—and ourselves—with curiosity and compassion.

Barriers to Inclusivity

Inclusivity is not always easy. It challenges our egos, our comfort zones, and our deeply ingrained habits of separation. Some of the common barriers include:

• Fear of Difference: We often fear what we don’t understand. Differences in culture, beliefs, or lifestyles can feel threatening if we see them as challenges to our identity.

• Judgment and Superiority: It’s tempting to see our own beliefs or practices as "right" and others as "wrong." This creates a hierarchy that undermines true connection.

• Scarcity Mindset: The belief that there’s "not enough"—not enough love, resources, or space—can lead us to exclude others to protect what we feel is ours.

But these barriers are not insurmountable. They are opportunities for growth. By facing them with honesty and courage, we can transform them into gateways to deeper connection.

The Transformative Power of Inclusion

When we choose inclusivity, something remarkable happens. We begin to see the divine in places we never expected. The stranger becomes a teacher. The outcast becomes a mirror. The "other" becomes a part of ourselves. This expansion of our circle of belonging doesn’t just benefit others; it transforms us. It softens our hearts, widens our perspectives, and deepens our sense of connection to the sacred.

Inclusivity also has a ripple effect. When we create spaces where everyone feels seen and valued, we model a way of being that inspires others to do the same. This is how spiritual communities grow—not just in numbers, but in depth, resilience, and authenticity.

Practicing Inclusivity on the Spiritual Path

So how do we practice inclusivity in our daily lives? It begins with small, intentional actions:

• Listen Deeply: When someone shares their perspective, listen with the intention to understand, not to respond or debate. Active listening is a profound act of inclusion.

• Seek Out Diversity: Engage with people and ideas that challenge your comfort zone. Read books, watch films, or attend events that expose you to different cultures, beliefs, and experiences.

• Examine Your Biases: Take an honest look at where you might be excluding others—intentionally or unintentionally. This might include exploring unconscious biases or reexamining long-held assumptions.

• Practice Self-Inclusivity: Inclusivity begins within. Are there parts of yourself you’ve been rejecting or ignoring? Shadow work, mindfulness, and self-compassion can help you create inner wholeness.

• Show Up for Others: Inclusion isn’t just about attitudes; it’s about action. Advocate for those who are marginalized. Speak up when you see injustice. Create spaces where everyone feels welcome.

A Shared Journey

Inclusivity reminds us that the spiritual path is not a solo journey. It’s one we walk together, learning from and supporting one another along the way. When we include others—truly include them, with all their differences and complexities—we enrich our own journey and move closer to the divine wholeness we seek.

The Gospel of Thomas offers a poignant teaching:

"When you make the two one, and when you make the inside like the outside and the outside like the inside, and the upper like the lower... then you will enter the kingdom." Inclusivity is the act of making the two one. It’s about dissolving the boundaries that keep us separate and recognizing that we are, and have always been, part of the same whole.

May we all have the courage to widen our circles, to make space for the other, and to see the divine in all its diverse expressions. Because in the end, everything fits—and that includes you, me, and everyone we meet along the way.