I have become more and more aware of a growing
chasm in our world. Each side is so firmly entrenched in their own reality,
there is no room to listen to the other side. Communicating with respect in common
ground seems possible only in theory.
I have a cousin who is a conservative Republican. Although he would
disagree, I self-identify as pragmatic —practically and realistically attending
to what is happening in the moment. I guess you could say on the political
scale I am just left of center. While my cousin and my conversations are
lively, we are never disrespectful of one another. We listen, not to agree, but
to understand the position of the other. I might not totally understand his
views but somehow we are on common ground when we talk.
This common ground is created and sustained through mutual respect.
It is a safe place where people can enter into deep dialogue and grow in
understanding. When I dialogue with others, I create an image based upon my
understanding of their reality. My goal is to discover the inherent wisdom and
good in the other. I want to know how
the seeds of shadow took root in their reality and in mine.
This does not mean that I will ever agree with the other’s personal
view of reality. Often it means that my personal view of reality remains
unchanged. But, I undergo a personal transformation through this connection.
When I listen with respect to the other and their views, more often than not, I
receive respect in return. I may never totally understand the other, but I believe
that we share a deep love and profound respect for one another.
What it does mean is that
I grow closer to understanding how the other person formed their personal view
of reality. And, with each new revelation, I am better able to respond to the
complexity of the world we live in. I
see the world not as black and white but filled with a spectrum of vibrancy
needed for us to collectively evolve and transform.
I find myself wondering what would happen if we stopped believing
that
A person who hold views very
different from ours has no wisdom in their words
Our way is the only way
Our specific religious or
spiritual beliefs must by held by everyone
What would happen if we truly believe that we did not see the world
exactly how it is? What would happen if we talked to the other with the purpose
of understanding how they formed their personal reality? What would happen if
we saw each other as sisters and brothers instead of stranger combatants?
Because, really, what do we have to lose? If we have the courage and
curious daring to meet the other and really listen, we might gain a host of
brothers and sisters who grow together in our garden of mutual respect and
interconnected being. We might create a world more magnificent then we ever
thought possible.
i see. i see you — and, i see an extraordinary, interconnected world
hiding in the common ground. Let’s grow in that ground together.
Vanessa
Vanessa F. Hurst is Compassion Officer at Intent & Action. She is a Mindful Coach, Community Builder,
and Author who interweaves her inner wisdom in all she touches.
Her books are Engaging Compassion Through Intent & Action and AConstellation of Connections: Contemplative Relationships.
More from Vanessa: www.intentandaction.com
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