Questions that Exercise me (us)

Integration: The action of incorporating a racial or religious group into a community
                  The act of combining into an integral whole

I like the word. I hear it a lot lately. But then two doubts hover me as I envision the total picture, the finished puzzle: 1. Is it the right puzzle piece and right place its being put into?
           2. What exchanges occur; is the original piece still an original?

 To gain popularity or more acceptance from the larger society, sometimes the smaller entity has to integrate; open its doors to the public and allow them to participate in functions. This can be good, this can be, not good.
Good if the ones integrating are firmly established in knowledge and assimilation of their own culture. Good when one's faith and practice is not interrupted by the friction, or energies exchanged during integration. Good when there is the "serenity to accept" and be accepted, "courage to change" what should be changed to make the bigger picture shine better, and "wisdom to know" the difference.
Not good when the persons propagating integration aren't firmly situated in their own philosophy and practice, firm personal character that imbibes the knowledge, and have a motive of taking, rather than giving.

People know when they see something valuable; people want to be a part of something valuable; people want to learn something valuable. Personal culture involves personal exchanges- association is like a crystal and one begins to reflect the qualities and mentality (ies) of his association. Everyone wants to add to, or influence the growth of something. All good ideas and reasons if the newcomer is willing and able to learn the basics, the fundamental principles that hold up the culture.
I often ask myself what am I learning from people, and what am I giving/ teaching people. What things are essential to learn, and what can be done away with? What values do I uphold? What values am I accepting during integration? Is it OK to blend in with everyone else for the sake of acceptance; as in following their traditions although it has nothing to do with a bigger reality? For example: Thanksgiving and Halloween. Fun holidays, but what is their origin? What is the underlying reason for it? So is it OK to make vegan turkeys and celebrate a holiday based in so much killing of innocent people and animals? Especially if I follow a culture that propagates living a non violent life. Or dressing up as ghosts and goblins and other.. skip that. Especially again when I live in a culture that propagates living in the mode of goodness. Am I more elevated in consciousness after participation? Am I lacking cultural festivals to celebrate?

These are questions that exercise me as I try to live a wholesome lifestyle in a world where wholesome is practically non existent.Where culture and etiquette is lacking, where power is abused, elderly,women and children are exploited, and animals are killed for enjoyment.
What do I give? What do I take in? Am I walking my own walk truthfully? Is it quantity? Quality?
What is my vision for the future?