what’s in .1%?

Last week was my daughter's "spring" break, and we had the joy of combining it with a birthday celebration, time with family, and exploration of the amazing natural world through a variety of museums, aquariums, and a mountain zoo that promotes conservation.  

Isn't it breathtaking how diverse nature is?!?  (See a few pics from our exploration above).

One of the most startling statistics was the reminder that humans share 99.9% of their genetic makeup in common with one another. 

In other words, it is only .1% of our genetic make-up that accounts for the variety of skin tones, eye colors, hair textures, body sizes, etc.  

Sit with that for a moment.  

Consider all the wars, hate, divisions, othering, exclusions, and so on that have been founded on a .1% difference!  

And yet, that .1% difference has impacted extreme differences in experiences and treatment and led to inter-generational disparities in areas as influential as wealth, trauma, and health.  

In contrast, we gaze over a field of flowers and marvel at the variety of colors.  We listen to the birds and appreciate the variety of songs. We explore the sky or landscape and wonder at the variety of cloud patterns, terrains, and shapes.  

If you're anything like me, you don't look at nature and lament that there's difference nor pretend that it's all the same.  

The variety, even amongst a common element (be it flowers, birds, or scenery) is what makes it so inspiring and breathtakingly beautiful.

That .1% difference amongst people might also be highlighted in amazement and awe, if only we, as a species, could interrupt the pattern of using it to critique, judge, abuse, and exclude.  

If you agree...

Where might you be able to use this data point in a conversation?

How can you, your team, or your organization support and honor the commonality of the 99.9% while valuing the variety in the .1% differences?

How might you use your connection to, and appreciation for, the wonder in nature to empower and uplift you for the moments when you are exhausted, spent, and discouraged?

I wish you moments of wonder, inspiration, and awe and the continued sustenance to remain wholly, uniquely, and brilliantly you as you continue to make the world around you a better place.

You matter.  You make a difference.  I'm so thankful you're here.