"I've been hacked!" seems to be a common refrain in this technical world of ours. Almost daily I receive a bogus text from a friend wanting me to open an attachment that I might be interested in or clicking a link because I know the person in this obituary. I also receive follow-up emails from these friends apologizing, explaining that they have been hacked, and hoping that I had not responded. Passwords are changed, and life goes on!
I can understand our caution and skepticism as we navigate this cyber world: the preying on people's emotions; the confusion created; the disruption to relationships; the darkness and uncertainty.
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| How do you respond when you have been deceived? (Photo credit: 11 Signs You Have been Hacked, Irish Computer Society) |
In a way our relationships are called into question:
- How well do I know this person?
- Why would -- or would -- this person send such a mysterious text or email?
- Do I need to strengthen the words that pass between my relationships?
And, possibly, our thoughts have been shaken as we decide how to respond to these mysterious messages. Do I check in with the person, asking about what was said and is it true?
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| Who are you? How would you describe yourself? (Photo credit: Unsplashed) |
As we navigate this complex, ever-changing world, it is important that we know ourselves and that we are wiling to share our thoughts, feelings, and concerns with others. It is equally important that we develop our sense of curiosity about others: asking questions; extending invitations to hear what is important in their lives; resetting the Passwords of Understanding that protect each other.
The connections created will allow us to feel safe even when our lives are hacked by those who don't respect and honor who we are.
A friend and I were at the Santa Barbara beaches for the July 4th festivities and fireworks. It was new and unfamiliar, yet we felt safe throughout the day. The Santa Barbara police created a safe environment to celebrate our country's holiday and ensured a safe passage home for people after the fireworks. It took planning and coordination on their part -- and a long day of interacting with the revelers.
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| Where can you create safe environments? (Photo: walking together post-fireworks, Santa Barbara, Larry Gardepie) |
A friend and I were at the Santa Barbara beaches for the July 4th festivities and fireworks. It was new and unfamiliar, yet we felt safe throughout the day. The Santa Barbara police created a safe environment to celebrate our country's holiday and ensured a safe passage home for people after the fireworks. It took planning and coordination on their part -- and a long day of interacting with the revelers.
Practicing our dialogue skills -- where we listen to understand, are curious to know, and invite connection -- is one way of creating safe environments to password-protect our lives. We come to know the words that trigger a hack or division and we come to choose words that support and connect.
May you be safe this week from hackers who are attempting to disrupt your life. May you seek out people who support and defend who you are.
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| Larry Gardepie (click on link for website) |
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