Healing Our Divide

The events of this past week reminded me of a trip to Iceland in 2011.  I accompanied a group of people to the Þingvellir National Park.  This park has several features: giant fissures in the earth; pathways through the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates; and a vast plain where rivers connect.

As we were guided through the rock formations and looked out on the water-filled landscape, we were told the Icelandic history of its competing populations coming together and discussing their divergent needs in this harsh landscape.

What divides you from others?
(Photo: Þingvellir National Park, 2011 - Larry Gardepie)

The image of these ancient peoples passing between the walls of these two tectonic plates to arrive at Þingvellir, "The Fields of Parliament," was inspiring.

Here we were, a group of tourist-strangers, following the same path:  passing between two seemingly immovable formations that are constantly grinding away at each other, causing temblors as one gained and the other lost.

Do you feel safe with the people around you?
(Photo: Between Two Continents, Þingvellir National Park - Larry Gardepie)

Did I feel safe being near these open fissures and moving plates?  Yes!  Surrounded by strangers, we were people experiencing the same events.

Were we necessarily experiencing them the same way?  No.  We each had our own lenses of culture, upbringing, values, and needs that filtered and interpreted what the guide was telling us.

Can we see and share what is already plentiful?
(Photo: "The Fields of Parliament", Þingvellir National Park - Larry Gardepie)

This seems to be why Þingvellir was chosen as the site for the annual gathering:  the people from other parts of Iceland resented the power and influence of the southwest peoples; the rock formations created a passage that brought unity; the plains had plenty of water; and the peoples brought food for themselves and others to share.

The annual parliament became a time of listening and overcoming the differences of this emerging island-nation.

Listening to the events of this week, I wonder:

• What resentments have built up between our peoples?
• Are there experiences we have in common?
• Do we feel safe with our neighbors?
  

And maybe a final question to consider in the weeks ahead:  where are we willing to gather, share, and listen to what we have in common -- and what divides us?

Larry Gardepie

Dialogue San Diego Consulting

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