Dialoguing in Protest: Looking for the Space

Human's are fascinating!  [Applause]  We are creative... caring... nurturing... [Applause] and have the ability to rationalize almost any position. [Huh?]

Just think of how each individual is responding to COVID-19:  some people are finding creative outlets while "safe at home"; some are volunteering their time and resources for others; others are fostering growth and learning.

What happens, though, when we reach a point of fear, frustration, anger, or boredom?

How do you respond when you've reached your limits?
(Photo credit:  Huntington Beach Protest, LA Times / Polaris)

Our world displays countless examples of diversity as seen through our plant and animal kingdoms.  It is this diversity that creates a tapestry of strength and interconnectedness... if we pay attention and learn.

But, what happens when we limit what we see and hear?

What do you hear?
(Photo credit:  Andy Babbitz)

Vicktor Frankel, a Holocaust survivor of Theresienstadt, Auschwitz, Kaufering and Türkheim, wrote:

"When we are no longer able to change a situation,

we are challenged to change ourselves."

He also suggested that:

"Between stimulus and response there is a space.

In that space is our power to choose our response.

In our response lies our growth and our freedom."

Are we listening and responding out of growth and freedom?
(Photo credit:  San Diego Beaches Stay Open... LA Times)

As people's needs surface and intensify, I wonder:

• Do protests and loud voices diminish the climate to dialogue?
• How do we listen and choose when the space between stimulus and response shrinks due to anger, fear, and frustration?
• Will our diversity decrease as options become fewer?

A recent example of humanity's creativity, caring, nurturing and rationalizing happened when San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer spoke to the governor's office, explaining the phased approach to opening San Diego's beaches.  Because San Diego residents were adhering to physical distancing, the governor-mayor dialogue used the space between stimulus and response to open up possibilities for a different choice.

I wonder for this next week:  where can you and I dialogue in the midst of protests -- seeking to pause, listen, understand, and choose?

Prayers for you and your loved ones to stay safe and healthy!

Larry Gardepie

Dialogue San Diego Consulting

(click on link for website)