Overcoming polarisation
A path to unity
When we focus our answers and opinions it can be difficult to find common ground. Over the years I have found myself in different environments. Some were enlightened and progressive, others less so. As I embarked on my soul journey asking deeper questions about life, one area I spent time investigating was the difference between enlightened progressive environments and those that were not at the same level of mastery.
As I looked deeper at the differences between them some things stood out.
1. Enlightened progressive environments spend more time refining questions before they tried to find answers. This approach is also taken by the best researchers in academic medicine. What was the real problem they were trying to solve ?
2. They were able to listen to answers from everyone in the team without judgement. The opinion of all team members was valued and considered.
3. They could calmly create an agreed solution which had a majority in agreement.
4. They revisited and re-evaluated their choices and outcomes regularly. They made adjustments to things that were not working and celebrated things that were.
5. There was no failure. Only lessons to be learnt.
6. Enlightened teams valued longevity and people - their results always followed. Staff turn over, family or community break ups were minimal.
7. People in progressive environments were happy and in flow with life.
Why RiVER FLOW?
LIFE IS LIKE A RIVER
As I travel and spend time close to nature the polarity of our modern world and harmony of Mother Earth is in stark contrast. One evening as I sat listening to sounds of dusk; I looked to nature, for a way, to help us to unite. Earlier that day I had witnessed a family argument. Family members had different opinions on vaccination. Seeing a family polarise is difficult for anyone. I was deeply saddened by what I saw. It was also apparent to me that the whole family was tired. They were at their wits end. Everyone spoke, no one could hear. They loved each other; and the separation hurt.
That evening, silence, had a piece of wisdom for me. "Irrespective of their opinions, pain or choices - life would flow on." It was powerful. However divided we maybe, life will not stop for us. Just like a river, life will continue to adapt and flow. Just like life, a river has to cope with what ever comes to it. Just like our polarised society; the river has two banks. Whatever happens on either side it will try and find a way to unite with the sea. Often with success. Some times not. There is trust in the process; a process which always continues.
Here lies the origins of my pod cast "River flow."
I started to think a lot about life. What is it ? Is there a purpose ? Did we arrive only to find our tribes, rise, polarise, and then fall. Human history is an extraordinary odyssey of repetition. If it were fiction surely the author would be tried for plagiarism.
Yet life is not fiction. Life is extraordinarily real; it begins, it ends, there are cycles of flow, stagnation, drying up like vapour, down pours of rain, spectacular falls, redirections, and moments of union. The comparison of life to a river felt increasingly true. I looked at the water ways of this beautiful land. My attention drawn, to the way a river, finds its way forward.
Join river flow
Participation in river flow is easy. Follow my pod cast. This is a new space and it will continue to grow and evolve. Take the ideas you learn and try them in your own community. Everyday try and listen to at least one opinion which is different to your own.
Allow yourself to approach the difference with a beginners mind. Be curious, explore and trust your own wisdom and grace to choose.
I look forward to hearing from you.
RIVER WISDOM
The river listens
to human prayers
She offers stillness
with embracing care
She brings knowing
from mother earth
And allows tears
honouring rebirth
She shows the way
with a gentle hand
Supporting life
on every land
She greets the dawn
knowing the promise it brings
She is complete
from deep within.
For me to step into the river and listen took courage. At the beginning it was not comfortable to listen to those who shared different views. I realised that on line, the algorithms which helped me see more of what I liked, also posed a disadvantage. My exposure to the world had narrowed. I was not alone in this experience. Algorithms that feed us content to match our interest narrow our exposure to the full spectrum of ideas on a given topic.
This narrowing of exposure to that which interests us has positive and negative outcomes.
First the positive - we have greater mastery of our interests. A classic example is junior Masterchef! The kids learn on line and show us how amazing and talented humanity can be.
The negative aspect is that we are taken away from the big picture. We increasingly know more and more about less and less.
When an important question comes up our opinions and choices will be made with a limited understanding of the whole. Our lack of time and increasing fatigue can further hinder our ability to look at the length, width, and depth of an issue; limiting our ability to unite and choose well.
If we cannot step back long enough to look at the big picture - we set in motion a system that is vulnerable to conflict and destruction.
In my podcast River flow I combine the wisdom of the river with a deeper exploration of the questions we may ask of each other.
Pod cast episodes will be released on Fridays. The first episode will be - From listening to understanding on the 21st of October 2022.
Take the ideas and questions I share and ask them in your own community. Let answers flow. and allow more questions to evolve. Let our exploration of questions and answers help us unite.
I outline below wisdom from the River and an etiquette to help us begin.
The art of listening
When we listen to everything we notice the feelings that come up within. Sometimes it is easy. It feels wonderful and inspiring as the different opinion is one which opens us up to a new reality that is better than the one we knew. At other times it can be filled with trepidation as you silently contemplate - really ? now I have reason for concern.
When we listen completely with the quest of understanding we hold up an extraordinary mirror to the one who speaks. There is a vortex of discernment which opens up. A greater sense of connection. An ability to choose together.
Both speaker and listener have a choice to respond or react. To accept and integrate, or respectfully let be. A powerful transformation becomes possible.
It is never too late
To atone and choose again
Allowing the fluidity of the water element to support our evolution brings forth a blessing. An opportunity to bring flexibility to that which is hardened, heavy and obstructive to our unity and happiness. We can flow like the river.