Middle Ground
There are two sides to every story. Actually, there are more than that! We have become a nation (or shall I say planet) of talkers? The gabfest is on, and sound bites are flying. By comparison, the world was quiet in my parents' time. Now, finding silence appears to be the challenge.
Actually, I’m not one for reticence; just ask any of my friends, family, former co-workers or employers. I love words of engagement, and become intoxicated by the opportunity of learning another person’s perspective. I consider these opinions mental nourishment, moments of growth. However, with the disbursement of mental knowledge must come responsibility of listening. We too must find commonality. Regardless of how much we banter, there are going to be moments of disagreement and revelation. This is when you know the conversation has taken a turn. I have always adopted the phrase 'agree to disagree' but now wonder what it means.
In simplistic terms, it means I heard you, but don’t necessarily agree with your stance. It also requires us to be a good sport, to stay calm in the face of debate, to always be honest, to respect all views, and to know that you can’t change a mind that doesn’t want to be changed. I guess that is fine, but is it? I think you have guessed by now that I am not talking about simple dialogue. No, what I am referencing is bigger: perceptions of the world, reactions to current events, struggles within our democracy, etc.
This more intense, often complicated intercourse leaves many exhausted, causing larger groups to splinter, often leading to strong divisions, thus a breakdown in communication.
It’s sad, but true... The state of our union is not as strong as it once was. Much of this has to do with too many talkers and not enough listeners. I’m convinced people on all sides need to grow some ears.
I hope we can all learn one day to come together, but we won’t ever be able to if we aren’t willing to commit to 'give and take'. It really is as simple as that. Maybe the constant talkers need to shut up, and the listeners need to speak up. However, in my world, through my eyes, with my ears, I think everyone has something to offer and must be respected for their position. We must find a way to make people feel inclusive.
I am definitely someone with an opinion, eager for the exchange, thirsty for knowledge, and elated by the acceleration of wisdom, but understand everything happens in time (with fate lending a hand too). However I may be evaluated, know this, I am genuine in thought, careful in opinion and I respect everyone. Take a chance and meet me in the middle.
After a beautiful concert at Emmanuel Episcopal Church on Wednesday, I thrived in a late afternoon walk through the city, visiting Station North and Charles Village – two of my favorite Baltimore neighborhoods. As always, there were new discoveries. This is what city life is all about, finding something new in the familiar.
As I’ve said many times before, my walks are never boring. I always find something to pique my curiosity, and today was no different. Here’s to the remainder of the week. May it be wonderful for all. Cheers! – paerki
(A special thank you to Li-Ying Chang, a gracious pianist. I very seldom listen to Joseph Haydn, but that changes after today. You played Haydn’s Sonata No. 58 in C Major, Hob.XVI:48 wonderfully.)
Actually, I’m not one for reticence; just ask any of my friends, family, former co-workers or employers. I love words of engagement, and become intoxicated by the opportunity of learning another person’s perspective. I consider these opinions mental nourishment, moments of growth. However, with the disbursement of mental knowledge must come responsibility of listening. We too must find commonality. Regardless of how much we banter, there are going to be moments of disagreement and revelation. This is when you know the conversation has taken a turn. I have always adopted the phrase 'agree to disagree' but now wonder what it means.
In simplistic terms, it means I heard you, but don’t necessarily agree with your stance. It also requires us to be a good sport, to stay calm in the face of debate, to always be honest, to respect all views, and to know that you can’t change a mind that doesn’t want to be changed. I guess that is fine, but is it? I think you have guessed by now that I am not talking about simple dialogue. No, what I am referencing is bigger: perceptions of the world, reactions to current events, struggles within our democracy, etc.
This more intense, often complicated intercourse leaves many exhausted, causing larger groups to splinter, often leading to strong divisions, thus a breakdown in communication.
It’s sad, but true... The state of our union is not as strong as it once was. Much of this has to do with too many talkers and not enough listeners. I’m convinced people on all sides need to grow some ears.
I hope we can all learn one day to come together, but we won’t ever be able to if we aren’t willing to commit to 'give and take'. It really is as simple as that. Maybe the constant talkers need to shut up, and the listeners need to speak up. However, in my world, through my eyes, with my ears, I think everyone has something to offer and must be respected for their position. We must find a way to make people feel inclusive.
I am definitely someone with an opinion, eager for the exchange, thirsty for knowledge, and elated by the acceleration of wisdom, but understand everything happens in time (with fate lending a hand too). However I may be evaluated, know this, I am genuine in thought, careful in opinion and I respect everyone. Take a chance and meet me in the middle.
******
After a beautiful concert at Emmanuel Episcopal Church on Wednesday, I thrived in a late afternoon walk through the city, visiting Station North and Charles Village – two of my favorite Baltimore neighborhoods. As always, there were new discoveries. This is what city life is all about, finding something new in the familiar.
As I’ve said many times before, my walks are never boring. I always find something to pique my curiosity, and today was no different. Here’s to the remainder of the week. May it be wonderful for all. Cheers! – paerki
(A special thank you to Li-Ying Chang, a gracious pianist. I very seldom listen to Joseph Haydn, but that changes after today. You played Haydn’s Sonata No. 58 in C Major, Hob.XVI:48 wonderfully.)
