I understand that not everyone likes math but stay with me for a few minutes! In high school Geometry, we memorized many theorems -- and maybe, understood some of them! What caught my interest were the shapes of objects and the formulas that helped to measure these objects: squares, circles, triangles... and all their variations -- rectangles, trapezoids, spheres and cylinders (if we moved into three-dimensional objects).
The intersection of art (image) and science (measurement) intrigued me, especially when I heard similar observations in Biology and the other sciences. Example: how nautilus shells and some flowers follow geometric patterns and measurements.
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| When are you -- we -- in equilibrium? (Photo credit: Sides of Equal Length, SplashLearn) |
No matter what age we are, we can still learn from math, science, art, and the social sciences. For instance, observe the current discussion -- or lack of discussion -- surrounding what "woke culture" means or when is it appropriate to teach or learn certain subjects or DEI initiatives (diversity, equity, and inclusion). Instead of allowing curiosity and exploration to guide us through each of these topics, people are demanding -- sometimes dictating and legislating -- one side or the other.
We are no longer focusing on theorems that need to be tested (methods we learned in school). Instead, we are talking about who controls narratives, beliefs, and historical perspectives.
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| When do we invite others into our inner circle? (Photo credit: Bring People Together, Growing Great Schools Worldwide) |
As in last week's blog, Sides (click here to read), dialogue brings people together NOT to win people over... to one side or another... to a certain way of thinking... or to accept a specific value system. Dialogue provides opportunities for us to hear or experience another idea, perspective, belief, or conclusion.
This interaction does not take away choice of -- or control over -- a Way of Being. Rather, it invites us into the possibility of expanding... to stand beside (Be Side) a different way of being... to compare... to stay open... and then to choose.
But the true choice is to stay in relationship... that is, to dialogue!
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| Are you and your ideas at the table for dialogue? (Photo credit, Exchanging Ideas in the Boardroom, Unsplash) |
What emerges from dialogue might be understanding, curiosity, and more questions. I notice that when I slow down my need for control or don't close the opportunities too quickly, another option emerges: how to stay in relationship!
Our invitation this week is to stand beside another person and see what she or he is seeing. What questions arise?
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| Larry Gardepie (click on link for website) |
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