In our postmodern world, we find ourselves entangled in a complex web of divisions that can pose challenges when it comes to seeking unity. These divisions come in various forms: social, political, economic, as well as divisions of knowledge, language, and culture. The concept of unity, however, revolves around the idea of finding common ground or shared values that can bridge these divisions and create a sense of completeness and harmony amidst our diverse realities. This pursuit of unity goes beyond mere philosophical or theoretical musings; it holds practical implications for how we live our lives, interact with others, and connect with the world around us. Let's consider one of the divides we face, which is culture. Different cultures and sub-cultures hold their own unique beliefs and practices, which may sometimes clash with one another. This clash can make it challenging to establish a common understanding of what unity truly entails or looks like. For example, two people may declare that they are both an active part of a broad cultural community (in a certain geographical area) with a certain specificity - traditions, customs, habits, which they repeatedly respect and assume in ceremonies or rituals; but if in the two cultures the practice of these traditions requires different actions, the result will be a dissension between these people, even if their ultimate goal is the same. Another division we encounter is individualism. Each person possesses their own set of experiences, perspectives, and worldviews, which inevitably shape their understanding of unity. These individual differences can influence how we perceive and approach the concept of unity, adding further complexity to its pursuit. It goes without saying that people assume their own life trajectories in an absolutely personal way, for which they are able to fight - please take the term fight in all possible senses. When they intersect, the scenarios in which they will find themselves are on the order of a billion possibilities. They all want a successful career, a satisfying couple, some kind of relationship with the elderly or children, with animals, with those in pain. Although, on a universal human scale, we all want the same things in the end, the way, the pace and the intensity with which we achieve them is divided into as many different stripes as there are people on this Earth. In our postmodern world, we go beyond the idea of separation and delve into a realm where grand narratives, those comprehensive interpretations of reality and human history, are questioned and often denied. These narratives often take the form of religious or political ideologies that claim to offer universal truths or solutions to human problems—a one-size-fits-all remedy, so to speak. However, postmodern thinkers argue that these grand narratives can be oppressive and constraining, as they fail to acknowledge the diversity and complexity of human experiences. Take, for instance, the concept of patriotism—a powerful notion used to foster unity and a shared identity among the people of a specific country. It can create a sense of pride and belonging, but it can also become oppressive, serving to exclude or discriminate against those deemed as "other." Religion, too, serves as another grand narrative that has provided individuals with a sense of meaning and purpose throughout history. It guides moral and ethical decision-making, but unfortunately, it has also been employed to justify violence, discrimination, and the subjugation of certain groups. Capitalism, a significant narrative dominating much of the world in recent decades, is another example. It has been hailed as a force for wealth and economic growth, yet it has faced criticism for exacerbating inequality and causing environmental harm. Additionally, the concept of progress—a narrative deeply woven into modern history—suggests that human civilization is always advancing and evolving, and that this development is both inevitable and desirable. While progress has led to positive outcomes like scientific and technological advancements, it has been faulted for downplaying the negative consequences and disregarding the ways in which development can harm certain groups. Despite these challenges, spirituality emerges as a vital component in our search for unity within the postmodern world. Spirituality provides a framework for comprehending and connecting with the divine or something beyond ourselves, enabling individuals to develop a sense of unity with a higher power. This can be pursued through practices such as meditation, prayer, and mindfulness, leading to inner peace, an elevated sense of self, and a profound connection to the world around us. Religion, too, can serve as a source of unity, although it can also be divisive in some instances. While religion fosters shared beliefs and practices that unite people, conflicts can arise when different religions or religious groups disagree on fundamental beliefs or values. When it comes to seeking unity, barriers can sometimes arise between spirituality and religion. Some individuals find religion too rigid and seek a more open and personal exploration of spirituality. On the other hand, some may find spirituality too vague or subjective, preferring the structure and community provided by religious practices. Nonetheless, it is possible for spirituality and religion to complement one another in the pursuit of harmony, as long as individuals remain open to exploring both avenues and finding what resonates best with them. I will give you now some examples to illlustrate the ideas of unity, separation and grand narratives connecting or separing them. Bauman Z. says that "In liquid modernity, change is so rapid that it disorients the individual, making it difficult for them to locate themselves in society and to act in a coordinated fashion. Individuals are increasingly faced with the task of constructing their own biographies, identities, and values in the absence of traditional social anchors. For many, this is a bewildering and frustrating process, leading to a sense of dislocation and meaninglessness." (Bauman, Z., 2000, Liquid Modernity) This quote illustrates Bauman's concept of liquid modernity, which describes the rapid pace of change and uncertainty in the post-modern world. This can make it challenging to find a sense of unity or stability, especially in the absence of traditional social anchors. So… Social roles change extremely quickly, our tasks and skills, responsibilities and rights become obsolete after a few years at most. Who am I? The me I was 20 years ago? Wait, I didn't have a mobile phone then. Now there's virtual reality and AI assistants who already write, draw and dream for me. What's left for me to do? What's actually human left in me? What can't already be replaced by ever-evolving technology? What does my CV say about me in that dusty academic format? Do I only put it in front of me when I apply for a job, and the rest of the time I just go about my business? If so, what good would it be to keep one? How can I be rooted rooted in my family's traditions and my own personal values, if my sense of self is slipping away? In this liquid modernity, everything seem to be in constant flux. The job market is unstable, relationships are fleeting, and even my own identity seems to be up for grabs. Can I afford the luxury of longing for the simplicity and stability I knew 2-3 decades ago? J.Campbell wrotes "A hero ventures forth from the world of common day into a region of supernatural wonder: fabulous forces are there encountered and a decisive victory is won: the hero comes back from this mysterious adventure with the power to bestow boons on his fellow man." (Campbell, J., 1949, The Hero with a Thousand Faces) What is it this concept of the "monomyth" or "hero's journey"?  We have here an universal narrative structure that underlies many myths and stories from different cultures. This can serve as a kind of grand narrative that offers a shared understanding of human experience and the quest for unity. As an individual in the modern world, I often felt lost and unsure of my place in the world. I struggled with ignorance from the others, wondering if I was living up to my own potential. I realised that the hero’s journey, as described by Joseph Campbell, is a universal story told in stories throughout human history. It’s about self-discovery, facing challenges and overcoming obstacles along the way. I began to see parallels between my own life and the archetypal hero’s journey. I found myself living a happy, but somehow unsatisfying life. I landed a career that paid but challenged me only the first years or so, dreams and aspirations were put aside in favor of a secure, predictable life and I knew I had to take a leap of faith and embark on my own hero's journey, in order to find true satisfaction and meaning in my life, even if this journey, seen from the outside, has nothing spectacular. I am still travelling now,  discovering new aspects of myself that I never knew existed. I realize I am capable of so much more than I gave myself credit for, and I learned to trust my instincts and take risks. My Hero's journey can be told in a thousand voices, and though the nuances are slightly different, the story remains largely the same. C. Taylor writes that "We live in a secular age, that is, an age in which the supernatural has been expelled from our understanding of the world. This has created a vacuum that has been filled with a plurality of different beliefs and practices, as individuals and communities search for meaning and purpose in the absence of a dominant worldview." (Taylor, C., 2007, A Secular Age) This quote summarizes Taylor's argument that secularization in the post-modern world has led to a "nova effect," in which a diverse array of beliefs and practices coexist in the absence of a single dominant worldview. This can make it challenging to find a shared sense of unity, but it also allows for greater freedom of choice and exploration. This idea of plurality of beliefs and practices, that can be overwhelming, got me to think about a book I read a few years ago. "Eat, Pray, Love" is a memoir written by Elizabeth Gilbert, which chronicles her journey of self-discovery and personal transformation. The book is divided into three parts, each detailing her experiences during a year-long trip to Italy, India, and Indonesia. In Italy, Gilbert indulges in the pleasures of food and learns to appreciate the beauty of life. She learns the language, makes friends, and explores the country's rich cultural heritage. In India, Gilbert embarks on a spiritual quest, seeking to deepen her understanding of the divine and find inner peace. She studies yoga and meditation, and spends time at an ashram in search of enlightenment. In Indonesia, Gilbert seeks to balance her spiritual journey with the need for earthly love and companionship. She meets a man who becomes her lover and helps her to find a deeper connection with herself and the world around her. Throughout the book, Gilbert reflects on the nature of love, spirituality, and the search for meaning and purpose in life. The story ends with a happy ending, but not all stories of self-seeking and spirituality have this happy ending. We see all around us extremely gifted and well-meaning people searching for a unity of meaning and Self, decades at a time, without coming to a 'conclusion', getting lost along the way among the myriad tangled threads of a knowledge that promises but does not deliver.... Finally, a thought from Ken Wilber, "The goal of integral theory is to create a more comprehensive understanding of reality that integrates different worldviews and disciplines. This involves finding common ground and shared values across different perspectives in the pursuit of unity and wholeness." (Wilber, K., 1998, The Marriage of Sense and Soul: Integrating Science and Religion) This compelling idea of Integral theory involves recognizing the value and insights of multiple perspectives, including science, religion, psychology, philosophy and spirituality, and integrating them into a holistic approach. At its core, integrative theory emphasizes the importance of recognizing how all aspects of reality are related and the need to integrate them into a comprehensive worldview. Embedding critical thinking into daily practice can begin with an open and inclusive mindset. This can include reading and learning from a variety of sources, and interacting with individuals from different backgrounds and perspectives, and seeking experiences that challenge one’s assumptions and beliefs. Integral theory also emphasizes the importance of individual growth and development, recognizing that individuals must work independently to achieve a more integrated perspective and that this requires greater self-awareness, engagement in practice such as meditation or mindfulness, and work on developing greater empathy and compassion for others. To what extent this is actually possible remains to be seen. Despite the divisions that exist in the postmodern world, it is possible to find common ground and shared values in the pursuit of a greater sense of wholeness. Religious and spiritual practices can provide a means for us to connect with something greater than the mere material, and to find meaning and purpose in a world that can often seem chaotic and unpredictable. Beyond eating, praying and loving, there is a silver thread for each of us to lead us through this liquid world to a Meaning closer to our core. On a Journey we all have to embark on. No matter what name it may have or what practices may be useful to seek and sustain it.