“The situation of the world is like this. People completely identify with one side, one ideology. To understand the suffering and the fear of a human being who thinks differently, we have to become one with him or her. To do so is dangerous - we will be suspected by both sides. But if we don’t do it, if we align ourselves with one side or the other, we will lose our chance to work for peace. Reconciliation is to understand both sides.” —Thích Nhất Hạnh
As someone who identifies as a centrist, I’ve observed hostility coming from both ends of the political spectrum. Over time, I’ve found myself staying quiet on political issues to avoid unnecessary conflict. To me, showing love and respect for friends, family, and others matters more than the need to be right. I’ve come to accept that I have little power to change the mind of someone who is convinced they’re right. Now I’m going to be very brave and post this on X. This message needs to be heard.
Glad it resonated Jillian. What you say makes a lot of sense. I am learning that when I share my perspectives more gently and respectfully to people in my life, they can hear me out better. Appreciate you sharing, Take good care!
I feel like you bored into my brain & splattered out everything I've been feeling for the past ....can't remember how long. But I don't know that I could have written it so eloquently.
I have a good reason for not getting so pissed off & rageful. I've had long covid for 5 years & all my energy needs to go into healing or just doing laundry. Doesnt mean I don't care. It just physically hurts too much when I get angry.
Growing up in the 60's, dad was moderate Republican, mom a moderate Democrat. And they just didn't argue about it, loved each other & that was that. A great example in times that were (almost) as explosive as these.
I have several acquaintances who are on the "other side" & we talk, just not about politics. The few times we have, Itz been civil. We agree to disagree. When my sister said once "God I hate trump!" & I calmly replied, "yep, he's an asshole", she said "how can you not hate him?". I replied, "because I don't wanna be like him."
Itz not easy but as I said, maybe this is a blessing coming out of my illness - teaching me to be open to changing my tone, my behavior with the "enemy".
It doesn't mean I won't speak my truth or listen to theirs. Just differently.
I wish everyone in the world could read what you wrote & at least think about it, ponder it. Might be a lot more love in the world if that happened
Thanks for sharing Beth, lot's of wisdom here. I'm sorry about your long covid, I have folks in my life that also have it and it isn't fun. Glad you are allowing it to be a teacher, though I hope you get relief soon.
Two quotes by men in the Civil Rights Movement: “Hatred, which could destroy so much, never failed to destroy the man who hated and this was an immutable law.” — James Baldwin. “Let no man drag you so low as to hate him.” — Martin Luther King, Jr.
Blessings Marianne🌹are you in my head?? I just had this convo with my partner at dinner. It’s not helping calling the Prez “taco”. Cuz we know he’s a loose cannon. And like a good alcoholic “I’ll show you…I’ll hurt me!” Presses the Red Button 🛑Why would we push a Man who isn’t in his right mind??!! And it’s to Our BENEFIT he does “chicken out” as they’ve coined it!!! Duh 🙄 cmonnn people…Study CIM long enough you know. Please stop making fun of people and the prez. Especially, when the logic is not even thought out! Instead…pray 4 the man, the administration, and go about your life spreading the Solution not the Disease🌹🌹🌹Love to All🌹🌹🌹Keep Your Mind’s Free🏳️🏳️🏳️Thank You MW & Team💛💜💛💜💛🌟🌟🌟🕊️🕊️🕊️
Bohm Dialogue is a freely flowing group conversation in which participants attempt to reach a common understanding, experiencing everyone's point of view fully, equally, and nonjudgmentally.
“If we are to live in harmony with ourselves and with nature, we need to be able to communicate freely in a creative movement in which no one permanently holds to or otherwise defends his own ideas.” https://www.brainpickings.org/2016/12/05/david-bohm-on-dialogue/
It’s amazing how much I’m learning about myself through all this diversity. How to speak openly and effectively to my neighbors, family and friends who are sitting on the other side. Marianne your mornings lessons of ACIM, has opened my mind and heart. Matthew your article is brilliant. I shall pass this article on blessing everyone who receives it. Thank you and I am deeply honored to be apart of this posting.
Thanks for the kind words April and I'm so glad you are having so many heart opening experiences! Marianne has so much great perspective to help move us forward in those ways.
I completely agree with this. But it’s also easier said than done. When I think of ICE agents, all I feel is rage, hate and contempt. If I was to meet one in person I think it would be hard for me to remember our shared humanity and to approach with any level of respect or kindness. Which also makes me think of the nazis in WW2. I dont think dialogue had any impact then. Which also leads me to conclude that yes, I agree with everything that you are saying. AND there is a point where LOVE is rage and a fierce fight. Where LOVE says NO and takes up arms. So where is that line?
Those are great questions. A lot of this resonates with me as well (not the taking up arms part though). I wasn't meaning to argue against allowing ourselves to feel and even use anger and even rage. More wanting to make the point that when that is our exclusive or primary strategy, I think we just keep building the walls higher and block out the people who are swayable. There are certainly some people (probably many), that we will not reach. But I believe there are so many who would resonate more with being seen and heard and engaged with in civil (even if fiery) dialogue. I'm a big lefty, but so much of the left is just blasting Trump or other republicans non-stop, with personalized attacks non-stop. I think that is a huge turn off actually to many in the middle who might be more swayable if they weren't being screamed at, or if all they saw wasn't so many of us screaming at the "enemy," nonstop. We can be engaging on what matters, on the kind of world we want to build, rather than just responding to what we don't like. But those kind of generative conversations aren't being had. It's like a big "fight" machine is running non-stop. Promoting a worldview of "us against them" mentality. It feels toxic to me. I was speaking about this machine more than anything. Anyhow, a few more thoughts... Appreciate you engaging Tanya and I hear you.
“Peace requires something far more difficult than revenge or merely turning the other cheek; it requires empathizing with the fears and unmet needs that provide the impetus for people to attack each other. Being aware of those feelings and needs, people lose their desires to attack back because they see the human ignorance leading to those attacks. Instead, their goal becomes providing the empathic connection and education that will enable them to transcend their violence and engage in cooperative relationships.” - Marshall B. Rosenberg, Ph. D. https://www.nonviolentcommunication.com/
I love your post. This thinking based on love makes us all responsible for what kind of a world we are living in. I will need this most meaningful and useful post in mind when I create my cabaret. I can not think of anything more important to share with an audience. Thank you for spreading good inspiration.
I can still have red lines, I have many, but I try hard to keep them about actions, not individuals. Sometimes though things feel so important, I can still get pretty spicy. It is important to take clear moral stances for sure.
This piece was more about when our strategy is exclusively anger, hate and divisive demonizing rhetoric and actions. I tried to be clear that there is space for it all.
It's easy not to hate and it's easy to look down on the morality of survival if you have a millionaire or relatively comfortable existence in the most violent empire in world history defending your every move and even from tough thoughts from the peasants.
All the so-called "pacifists" in history never accomplished anything without the actions of hateful people to scare the ruling class. Why do people hate? It's simple: hate works. Terror works. It's the only thing that ever has!
What lives beneath the rage when we pause and look and feel underneath it - open to understanding the other - is our ability to change the world around us. When we're stuck in rage, then we're stuck in the creating too hey, not actually changing anything. Since our ability to change the world depends on it, it's very much worth that pause and feeling into what's behind our rage and what's behind the other's feelings and behavior. Hey?
mlk accomplished nothing without the Nation of Islam or Malcolm X. gandhi accomplished nothing without hindu terrorists. thoreau and emerson never accomplished anything without John Brown or his mother at walden pond.
“The situation of the world is like this. People completely identify with one side, one ideology. To understand the suffering and the fear of a human being who thinks differently, we have to become one with him or her. To do so is dangerous - we will be suspected by both sides. But if we don’t do it, if we align ourselves with one side or the other, we will lose our chance to work for peace. Reconciliation is to understand both sides.” —Thích Nhất Hạnh
As someone who identifies as a centrist, I’ve observed hostility coming from both ends of the political spectrum. Over time, I’ve found myself staying quiet on political issues to avoid unnecessary conflict. To me, showing love and respect for friends, family, and others matters more than the need to be right. I’ve come to accept that I have little power to change the mind of someone who is convinced they’re right. Now I’m going to be very brave and post this on X. This message needs to be heard.
Glad it resonated Jillian. What you say makes a lot of sense. I am learning that when I share my perspectives more gently and respectfully to people in my life, they can hear me out better. Appreciate you sharing, Take good care!
people strain to hear the whisper.
Common Sense 🌹🕊️🌹Kudos to You🌟
I feel like you bored into my brain & splattered out everything I've been feeling for the past ....can't remember how long. But I don't know that I could have written it so eloquently.
I have a good reason for not getting so pissed off & rageful. I've had long covid for 5 years & all my energy needs to go into healing or just doing laundry. Doesnt mean I don't care. It just physically hurts too much when I get angry.
Growing up in the 60's, dad was moderate Republican, mom a moderate Democrat. And they just didn't argue about it, loved each other & that was that. A great example in times that were (almost) as explosive as these.
I have several acquaintances who are on the "other side" & we talk, just not about politics. The few times we have, Itz been civil. We agree to disagree. When my sister said once "God I hate trump!" & I calmly replied, "yep, he's an asshole", she said "how can you not hate him?". I replied, "because I don't wanna be like him."
Itz not easy but as I said, maybe this is a blessing coming out of my illness - teaching me to be open to changing my tone, my behavior with the "enemy".
It doesn't mean I won't speak my truth or listen to theirs. Just differently.
I wish everyone in the world could read what you wrote & at least think about it, ponder it. Might be a lot more love in the world if that happened
Thanx you so very very much 💖
Thanks for sharing Beth, lot's of wisdom here. I'm sorry about your long covid, I have folks in my life that also have it and it isn't fun. Glad you are allowing it to be a teacher, though I hope you get relief soon.
Two quotes by men in the Civil Rights Movement: “Hatred, which could destroy so much, never failed to destroy the man who hated and this was an immutable law.” — James Baldwin. “Let no man drag you so low as to hate him.” — Martin Luther King, Jr.
Thanks for sharing those quotes.
Blessings Marianne🌹are you in my head?? I just had this convo with my partner at dinner. It’s not helping calling the Prez “taco”. Cuz we know he’s a loose cannon. And like a good alcoholic “I’ll show you…I’ll hurt me!” Presses the Red Button 🛑Why would we push a Man who isn’t in his right mind??!! And it’s to Our BENEFIT he does “chicken out” as they’ve coined it!!! Duh 🙄 cmonnn people…Study CIM long enough you know. Please stop making fun of people and the prez. Especially, when the logic is not even thought out! Instead…pray 4 the man, the administration, and go about your life spreading the Solution not the Disease🌹🌹🌹Love to All🌹🌹🌹Keep Your Mind’s Free🏳️🏳️🏳️Thank You MW & Team💛💜💛💜💛🌟🌟🌟🕊️🕊️🕊️
Bohm Dialogue is a freely flowing group conversation in which participants attempt to reach a common understanding, experiencing everyone's point of view fully, equally, and nonjudgmentally.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bohm_Dialogue
https://www.bohmdialogue.org/
“If we are to live in harmony with ourselves and with nature, we need to be able to communicate freely in a creative movement in which no one permanently holds to or otherwise defends his own ideas.” https://www.brainpickings.org/2016/12/05/david-bohm-on-dialogue/
Sounds interesting Margaret.
It’s amazing how much I’m learning about myself through all this diversity. How to speak openly and effectively to my neighbors, family and friends who are sitting on the other side. Marianne your mornings lessons of ACIM, has opened my mind and heart. Matthew your article is brilliant. I shall pass this article on blessing everyone who receives it. Thank you and I am deeply honored to be apart of this posting.
Thanks for the kind words April and I'm so glad you are having so many heart opening experiences! Marianne has so much great perspective to help move us forward in those ways.
I completely agree with this. But it’s also easier said than done. When I think of ICE agents, all I feel is rage, hate and contempt. If I was to meet one in person I think it would be hard for me to remember our shared humanity and to approach with any level of respect or kindness. Which also makes me think of the nazis in WW2. I dont think dialogue had any impact then. Which also leads me to conclude that yes, I agree with everything that you are saying. AND there is a point where LOVE is rage and a fierce fight. Where LOVE says NO and takes up arms. So where is that line?
Those are great questions. A lot of this resonates with me as well (not the taking up arms part though). I wasn't meaning to argue against allowing ourselves to feel and even use anger and even rage. More wanting to make the point that when that is our exclusive or primary strategy, I think we just keep building the walls higher and block out the people who are swayable. There are certainly some people (probably many), that we will not reach. But I believe there are so many who would resonate more with being seen and heard and engaged with in civil (even if fiery) dialogue. I'm a big lefty, but so much of the left is just blasting Trump or other republicans non-stop, with personalized attacks non-stop. I think that is a huge turn off actually to many in the middle who might be more swayable if they weren't being screamed at, or if all they saw wasn't so many of us screaming at the "enemy," nonstop. We can be engaging on what matters, on the kind of world we want to build, rather than just responding to what we don't like. But those kind of generative conversations aren't being had. It's like a big "fight" machine is running non-stop. Promoting a worldview of "us against them" mentality. It feels toxic to me. I was speaking about this machine more than anything. Anyhow, a few more thoughts... Appreciate you engaging Tanya and I hear you.
I can 100% stand behind that Mathew! Thank-you for your beautiful contribution.
“Peace requires something far more difficult than revenge or merely turning the other cheek; it requires empathizing with the fears and unmet needs that provide the impetus for people to attack each other. Being aware of those feelings and needs, people lose their desires to attack back because they see the human ignorance leading to those attacks. Instead, their goal becomes providing the empathic connection and education that will enable them to transcend their violence and engage in cooperative relationships.” - Marshall B. Rosenberg, Ph. D. https://www.nonviolentcommunication.com/
I love your post. This thinking based on love makes us all responsible for what kind of a world we are living in. I will need this most meaningful and useful post in mind when I create my cabaret. I can not think of anything more important to share with an audience. Thank you for spreading good inspiration.
We all have our red lines. Your is looking pinkish?
I can still have red lines, I have many, but I try hard to keep them about actions, not individuals. Sometimes though things feel so important, I can still get pretty spicy. It is important to take clear moral stances for sure.
This piece was more about when our strategy is exclusively anger, hate and divisive demonizing rhetoric and actions. I tried to be clear that there is space for it all.
Ewww…lol 🤣sounds like a period ad🌹
Thank you.
It's easy not to hate and it's easy to look down on the morality of survival if you have a millionaire or relatively comfortable existence in the most violent empire in world history defending your every move and even from tough thoughts from the peasants.
I don't disagree, there's truth there too. Life in general is hard when when there is so much injustice.
All the so-called "pacifists" in history never accomplished anything without the actions of hateful people to scare the ruling class. Why do people hate? It's simple: hate works. Terror works. It's the only thing that ever has!
What lives beneath the rage when we pause and look and feel underneath it - open to understanding the other - is our ability to change the world around us. When we're stuck in rage, then we're stuck in the creating too hey, not actually changing anything. Since our ability to change the world depends on it, it's very much worth that pause and feeling into what's behind our rage and what's behind the other's feelings and behavior. Hey?
Wonderful, wonderful post, thank you
Thank you for reading and sharing your thoughts Jenny. Glad it resonated.
mlk accomplished nothing without the Nation of Islam or Malcolm X. gandhi accomplished nothing without hindu terrorists. thoreau and emerson never accomplished anything without John Brown or his mother at walden pond.