What Do You Mean?

Darcy, a Dialogue practitioner and friend, received a package with an abundance of yellow Cycle 2 routing stickers... which seemed to override the original Cycle 1 mailing label.  But, is that what these yellow stickers meant?  And why so many?  And why didn't someone cross out or cover over the original Cycle 1 label?

Without knowing the company's delivery process and what the various cycles mean, we may never have answers to these questions!

Life seems to be like that, though: original lessons, learned from relatives and friends, stick to us so readily.  Then, they become overridden by education and exposure to different circumstances.

Questions we may ask ourselves: 

• Do we have contradictory "stickers" (messages) attached to us?
• Where did we "pick up" (learn) these messages (lessons)?
• How can we "peel off" (notice, discover) lessons we no longer want to convey?

What message do you give?
(Photo credit:  Darcy Wharton)

Traveling in Hawaii a few years ago, our touring group came across a scenic lookout.  As people posed in front of the backdrop, I was attracted to a sign covered in stickers.  My eye tended to focus on each colorful message, but my curiosity wanted to know what the original sign said.

As people moved closer to the scenic drop off... becoming more daring in their selfies and family poses... I came to understand the sign's message:

"DANGER - Do Not Go Beyond Guardrail."

Do you provide conflicting information?

I have found that when I practice my dialogue skills (noticing; asking questions; listening; seeking to understand), curiosity is awakened in me.  A desire emerges to peel away the layers that hide the true meaning of ... who you are and who I am.

If we are interested in this self- and other-discovery, it may be important to pay attention to the level of attachment -- or detachment -- placed on socially- or personally-constructed meanings.  In other words, are we willing to examine each message and make a decision that considers and updates what we believe?

How can your messages become clearer?

Maybe our challenge is to notice the contradictions we live each day.  Can I consciously choose to give clear messages to others: explaining my intentions; asking for advice; and seeking ways to move away from dangerously-confusing messages that overshadow our Sacred Worth and Value.

May the "packages" (gifts) you receive this week bring clear messages of love, joy and hope!

Larry Gardepie

Dialogue San Diego Consulting

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