According to Carl Jung, paradox is essential for understanding.
- How would we know hot without cold?
- How would we know up without down?
- How would we know truth without lies?
Ahhhh...that's a big one.
In our current social atmosphere, of "us" and "them, "it feels like we are constantly being lied to and it's almost impossible to believe that we can call out BS and still be civil to each other.
Or feel like we belong anywhere.
Here's how:
- Be generous - Don't assume that people know better. Don't assume they are being deliberately malicious or mean. Don't assume they are stupid. Instead, be curious and compassionate. Ask where they read or heard what they are saying. Ask how they arrived at this position.
- Be civil - The Institute for Civility in Government defines civility as "...claiming and caring for one's identity, needs, and beliefs without degrading someone else's in the process. ....(it's) about disagreeing without disrespect, seeking common ground as a starting point for dialog about differences, listening past one's preconceptions, and teaching others to do the same."
Your own sense of belonging will grow from your generous, compassionate, civil heart.
Based on the writings of Brene Brown in Braving the Wilderness. Get your copy HERE.
Anne Wade is Teacher, Writer, Mentor, and Coach for courageous women in midlife and beyond who want to disrupt their own status quo and design life on their own terms, even in turbulent times. She has developed the Becoming Found process of going within to find and address the inner barriers we have all inadvertently built up against love, happiness, health, wealth and any other desires of our hearts. Teaching women to unapologetically shine like a superstar and live their legacy is Anne’s mission.
You can follow her on her Facebook page “Anne Wade – Becoming found” or join her “Becoming Found” Facebook group.