While on a Zoom call last week, Darcy -- a Dialogue colleague -- mentioned that a Lock icon randomly appeared on her new monitor over my image. Though distracting, it did not seem to impact our conversation. A series of questions began to emerge:
- When am I locked into my way of thinking?
- What is the impact on relationships when I don't consider other perspectives?
- How might I become more aware when I am resistant to your experiences?
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| When am I locked into my way of thinking? (Photo credit: Darcy Wharton) |
I don't know about you, but it seems that as I grow older, the information I take in sometimes gets cemented in as Reality, Truth, and My Way of thinking and being. Family or cultural traditions are familiar -- and safe -- so I cling to what I know. I return to what is easy and normal. I don't notice when I am Locked In. Is it that way with you as well?
Our ability to consider new information is sometimes limited if we don't challenge the conclusions we have made about others.
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| How might I heal misunderstandings? (Photo: The Fallas Museum Valencia Spain, Larry Gardepie) |
Therefore, in order to unlock our thoughts -- and feelings -- we must be willing to explain our thought process, how we came to the conclusions and opinions we have. The willingness to share information -- and to listen to new information -- provides opportunities to reconnect with others. Generations of ideas that have taken root must be reconsidered.
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| Can I listen across generations of ideas? (Photo: The Fallas Museum Valencia Spain, Larry Gardepie) |
Visiting The Fallas Museum in Valencia, Spain, introduced me to the Fallas Festival of this region. Each year monuments are constructed by local organizations working together to design and build a falla that represents them. The festival culminates on March 19 with the destruction of these neighborhood monuments by setting them ablaze... but, before the bonfires begin, people vote on their favorite figures. The two with the most votes are rescued and enshrined in The Fallas Museum.
Working together, creating an image that represents us, deciding what to let go of and what remains... isn't this what dialogue is about? The ability to unlock our traditional thinking and search for ways that bring us together.
May we become more aware of our locked thoughts and feelings. May we seek to remove these limitations. May we explore opportunities that open us to new ideas.
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