We admire and even envy those who are multilingual, and the
encouragement, opportunity, and even demand to learn other
languages is built into our cultures in many ways, toward the
purpose of our better understanding of one another. In, I
daresay, most school systems of the world, this is one of the
major requirements throughout one's school life.
As we learn another language, we don't usually feel anything
like our lifeviews are threatened or may be compromised.
We don't usually gird for possible battle because of the
variance of nuance in words that have sprung naturally out of
the very ground of individual cultures. On the contrary,
we find this usually to be one of the most stimulating aspects
of learning other dialects. One of its great pleasures,
like collecting shells or stamps, is to add more understandings
to our collection of other-language words, such as how many
different nuances of meaning come to light when we compare the
word "thank you" or "love" from other ways
of speaking. You
know how, when in the throes of actively learning a new
language, often people seek out others to practice or learn or
share through dialogue in the less familiar lingo or to better
understand certain words. In
the process of this kind of learning, we gain an expansive sense
of depth and insight that enriches our lives in countless
ways. Our sense of relationship is exponentially expanded
as we gain more meaning as much from the nuances of differences
as similarities, not to mention a powerful tool for connecting
with others.
Why not enjoy with similar avidity and openness the challenge
and promise of all the very same gifts in our abilities to
understand other specifically more personal patois, through seeking to learn
different ways of expressing specifically those interests
we categorize as those most intimate of experiences, 'all things EHE' [by whatever name!]? Just
as we learned not to speak with our mouths full, we can learn
the art of Presencing, being present to, even surrendering into
listening with the heart so that we can accomplish two things
simultaneously. We gift the other person [in a dialogue of
this nature] with the rare opportunity to feel safe and heard
with unconditional regarded and acceptance as they dare to
communicate what people frequently describe the most important
experiences of their lives. The surrender might be
described as a blending with the other, to sense / feel their
feelings, their nuance of language and expression and meaning
from a place of deep inner stillness and peace. Second, by
freeing them simply to be and speak from the core of who they
are, we are in turn gifted with feeling a similar freedom and
ease within self. And with the right attitude of genuine
respect and without any judgment, our hearts are deepened.
Have you ever been hesitant to speak
of your personal beliefs, not to mention Exceptional
Experiences, with another person? You can feel it in your
gut sometimes, something that puts the brakes on at the very
idea! Or have you ever avoided certain people because
[same type gut feeling] past discussions with them along these
lines turned out to be almost combative or 'edgy' rather than
mutually beneficial or interesting?
Attitude is everything. Universal frustrations aside in
regards to learning other languages, we all generally appreciate
the inestimable value of doing this. Rather than any
conclusive statement, how about an invitation
instead:
How
might we come up with ways to transform this key element of
our lives -- our deeply held beliefs and also Experiences
of this nature -- into something on the order of
bridge-building, something we genuinely value every
opportunity to explore together, the more diversity the
better?
Rather than the old tried and always
fruitless approach of 'that won't work because ..', let's find
ways and reasons for how it CAN work. After
all, we have a planet to save together for our children and
their children. What would it take, the next time someone
accosts you with THEIR beliefs in a way that makes you want to
find the nearest exit or at least a foxhole to duck into, to
'magic' this into a positive and mutually rewarding Dialogue?
The special emphasis and capital D are in honor of William
Isaacs [and also his mentor, David Bohm],
who is helping us realize a whole new and wholeness-making way
to be with and commune with each other within the context of
Dialogue.
Speaking of essential 'Food4Thot,' Isaacs says,
Dialogue .. is about a shared inquiry, a way of thinking and
reflecting together ... a living experience of inquiry
within and between people. .. [T]he most
important parts of any conversation are those that neither
party could have imagined before starting.
.... The intention of dialogue is to reach new
understanding and, in doing so, to form a totally new basis
from which to think and act. In dialogue, one not only
solves problems, one dissolves them. We do not
merely try to reach agreement, we try to create a context
from which many new agreements might come. And we seek
to uncover a base of shared meaning that can greatly help
coordinate and align our actions with our values. ..
In essence, a dialogue is a flow of meaning.
But it is more than this too. ["Dia"-"logos"
can be translated to 'through'-'word'/'meaning']
In the most ancient meaning of the word, logos meant
'to gather together,' and suggested an intimate awareness of
the relationships among things in the natural world.
In that sense, logos may be best rendered in English
as 'relationship.'
In this same crucially important work, Dialogue and the Art
of Thinking Together, Dr. Isaacs also contrasts dialogue
('thinking together' in beneficial ways that bring people
to new understandings and avenues for relationship) to the terms
discussion / decide. The latter two words
concern "making a decision," seeking "closure and
completion." He mentions that "The word decide
means 'to resolve difficulties by cutting through them.'
Its roots literally mean to 'murder the
alternative.'" [!!]
Another white elephant materializes before all to see!
Giving up our rampantly felt murderous propensities, and
even becoming aware together that this has so dominated our
living apart that we euphemistically merely imagine sometimes to
be living together .. is a giant step forward, speaking of
a major consciousness Shift whose time has come!
