Beyond the Binary

Life is not binary.  Computers, which have become an integral part of our life for work, communication and entertainment are programmed in binary code. Consumers and scientists alike are aware of the limitations of this, that while there are many things that are gained, there is equally, if not more lost.. Binary systems can only represent a limited range of values, which can be a problem for applications that require both precision and nuance. Because of this, quantum computing is the present and future of our technology, moving much faster than the human brains that created them.  Many humans across the globe are conditioned to think in a binary way - us/them, good/bad, black/white and so on, lacking the nuance that essential for life to exist in any kind of harmony, The purpose this serves is that we “know” what and who to root for, who and what to rally against and punish/cancel. In a life full of uncertainty, this can be comforting to the human brain, offering a false sense of security at the expense of our soul learning and engagement. It is deeply limiting, and incredibly dangerous. The same could be said of our minds as computers - binary coding only represents a limited range of values, which is a problem for applications that require higher precision and nuance.  Human relationships, and our understanding of the world requires far more nuanced and higher precision than binary thinking can ever touch.  In this image there is a background of black and white - which is both the presence and absence of all colors reflected and absorbed. They are coalescing into a myriad of different shapes where elements of the natural world and technological world all co-exist.  Centered in a being in full-spectrum color - busting through a box that seems to want to contain them. They are bursting through this black and white world - though the label of “boy”. DO they identify as a boy but are not recognized in their presentation? Do they NOT identify as a boy but were assigned male at birth, and they are busting through the labels this current culture (United States 2024/2025) are violently enforcing on them? Either way, they are BOLDLY living in a time of gendered violence because they cannot NOT be who they are.  

Beyond the binary invites us to look at our values, beliefs, dilemas, and the way we treat one another through a lens that expands possibilities to be more than just “this or that.” When we are facing the unthinkable, it is easier to discount something as “evil and wrong.” rather than seek to understand the context it exists within. Commiting to developing a deeper understanding of something is not the same as accepting, tolerating, or excusing, rather it gives YOU the power to decide how to respond, rather than just react and perpetuate. Often we need to ask for help from folks outside of ourselves to get this perspective, and even then we need to be wise about who we ask. Seek diverse councils, just our “yes men.”  The being in this image beckons us to be brave, modeling that none of us fit into the boxes that were laid out fully -if they fit at all. It reminds us that we get to design our own culture of belonging, starting from that place within. They remind us that “There’s something wrong with the village….there’s nothing wrong with YOU. (Wrabel song, The Village)  There will be some people who choose not to accept us for a time as we change - maybe forever. The ones that do will be deep, real and authentic. They will be our “ride or die” people. What is more important than that? When we let go of our own binary thinking, not only are we able to step more fully into our most authentic self, but we are able to take even the most challenging circumstances and learn from them. We are able to understand that none of us are defined by our best or worst deeds, we are all of the above always. Imagine how much healing of the divisions of the world there would be if we engaged in more restorative practices and mindsets. Let’s create new possibilities.