LOIE
Gold Member
- May 11, 2017
- 954
- 325
- 190
Returning to this board has been very good for my little grey cells. For several years I have attended a race relations discussion called “Come to the Table.” I was beginning to tire of this particular program because it seemed like the same ole, same ole after a while.
We started by reading aloud the rules and guidelines for our discussion, agreeing to not interrupt each other, being respectful, etc. Then we would spend time going around the circle and each person would get 3 minutes to express their opinion on a certain topic. IT WAS JUST LIKE PREACHING TO THE CHOIR.. We were all thoughtful, well-meaning folks with similar values and goals. Unlike here, everyone was always respectful of others and was never critical of another person’s viewpoint.
But the world around us is diverse in many ways and I think it behooves us to listen to everyone, to consider what they say and ultimately determine for ourselves whether we agree or disagree with what they said. We also need to examine ourselves and determine the reason for that agreement or disagreement. What’s going on in my own head right now? And why? What is it about my own world view that determines how I feel about people who are not like me? If I hate someone – why? If I love someone – why? This is important to understand because how I think about people will determine how I end up feeling about them. Feelings come from thought patterns. Negative thoughts – negative feelings (justified or unjustified).
So, if I can understand and control my thinking processes, I can understand and control my feelings toward others. This will result in changes in my attitudes and behavior towards them.
And ultimately, if we all treated each other better, I think the world would be a better place.
Can I get an AMEN?
We started by reading aloud the rules and guidelines for our discussion, agreeing to not interrupt each other, being respectful, etc. Then we would spend time going around the circle and each person would get 3 minutes to express their opinion on a certain topic. IT WAS JUST LIKE PREACHING TO THE CHOIR.. We were all thoughtful, well-meaning folks with similar values and goals. Unlike here, everyone was always respectful of others and was never critical of another person’s viewpoint.
But the world around us is diverse in many ways and I think it behooves us to listen to everyone, to consider what they say and ultimately determine for ourselves whether we agree or disagree with what they said. We also need to examine ourselves and determine the reason for that agreement or disagreement. What’s going on in my own head right now? And why? What is it about my own world view that determines how I feel about people who are not like me? If I hate someone – why? If I love someone – why? This is important to understand because how I think about people will determine how I end up feeling about them. Feelings come from thought patterns. Negative thoughts – negative feelings (justified or unjustified).
So, if I can understand and control my thinking processes, I can understand and control my feelings toward others. This will result in changes in my attitudes and behavior towards them.
And ultimately, if we all treated each other better, I think the world would be a better place.
Can I get an AMEN?