We are born into an existing family structure, and inherit a social/cultural framework, which defines our identity as we grow up. We have no choice in this initial inheritance, and this is our primary Circle of Life. It is who we are, defined by race, ethnicity, religion – all aspects of our rich diverse human existence. With reference to my earlier blog on Relationships – our primary Circle of Life (CoL) is filled with ‘key’ relationship persons

As we go through childhood and enter the early school phase, our primary CoL sees the first intersection with the school CoL. This is our first exposure to new experiences, new thoughts and ideas, etc., which may be very different from our primary CoL, possibly, even causing conflicts. It is the first step in exposing us to the diversity around us, and should enrich us.

Early adulthood, exposes us to several new CoL, with which we start intersecting. For e.g. a new set of adult friends who may be with you, for the rest of your life. Your friends Col intersection will be the most significant one, and may have powerful influences on the core values/beliefs of your primary CoL – sometimes, even changing your future path in life. If it does happen, it is perfectly fine to change. Remember you inherited your primary CoL, and did not choose it.

When you complete your schooling and enter the workplace, you will interact with the work CoL. Your work CoL will be an ever expanding, dynamic experience, where you will constantly be exposed to new CoL’s. This phase will be the largest period of constant intersection with multiple CoLs,

In a realistic scenario, for most persons, you can easily identify 8 to 10 CoLs that your primary CoL intersects with, during the course of your limited existence.

So what does this mean, and why are our CoLs so important? The number of circles, your life intersects with is an indication of your breadth of exposure to the variety of life. It widens your thinking and objectivity, and provides a broad-based structure to your thought process. We live in a world with a multitude of different people, and co-existing peacefully and enjoying each other’s differences, adds flavor to our lives.

In comparison, think about someone who exists mainly in their primary CoL with a few CoLs infrequent interaction, for most of their lives. Think of the multiple blinders to their world vision and understanding, of this wonderful world we live in. An example of such an entity are cults, which exist in our eco-system. Cult societies live mainly in their primary CoL, and often reject and refuse to intersect with any other CoL. Rather, they frown upon and discourage such activities. Refer my earlier blog on Belief Systems, where I talk about how some groups believe that they, and they alone are right – and everyone else is wrong.

Embracing intersection with multiple CoLs is not just desirable, but necessary for us to accept our diversity and flourish in a pluralistic society. Just as when all the bright colors combine, they produce a bright white light….. so should your Primary CoL intersection with multiple CoLs resulting in a bright shining light, that guides you through your life.