Inside the Lines?

As a child, I remember my parents and teachers telling us to color inside the lines of the drawing.  Later on, as a second grade teacher, I instructed my students the same way... "Stay inside the lines."  (I found out later this was about hand-eye coordination and developing small motor skills.)

Even when we "lined up" outside the classroom, we were expected to line up in straight lines.  As a shorter student, this often meant I couldn't see anything in front of us!

Finally, one of our teachers had us line up in order of height -- smaller in front, taller in back.  I could now see what was in front of me, but suddenly I realized I was the third shortest boy in the class!  (Rules bring awareness!)

Do you stay "inside the lines" (follow the rules)?
(Photo credit:  Coloring Inside the Lines, Derrick Hurst)

For those of us who were taught how to drive, we learned the Rules of the Road... how to stay inside the proper lanes... when to indicate our next action... how fast we were expected to go (or not go!).

As a Country of Law and Order, these earlier SCRs (Socially Constructed Realities) molded and defined us.  We knew what to do and what was expected of us.  We were kept safe by these overlayering SCRs.

How many rules do you follow religiously?
(Photo:  San Diego Freeway - Larry Gardepie)

I believe it is healthy to have conversations about these rules, expectations, and constructed realities.  They provide context for our societal interactions.  And, as society changes, we must address new realities and guidelines.

What is disappointing, though, is how these norms are being reversed unilaterally... without discussion or input from the affected populations.  We bludgeon The Other with our own unwritten biases and self-rules.  We are Right -- They are Wrong.

Did you hear the invitation to dialogue... and listen?
(Photo credit:  Pope Leo XIV, Vatican News)

As world leaders change, there is an understanding that priorities might shift.  But did you notice the differences in how media sources covered the transition in U.S. politics and the death of Francis I, the mourning period, and the days of decision-making that culminated in the announcement of Leo XIV?

Pope Leo has called us to love, to dialogue... and to listen.  Are we ready to accept this invitation?

SCRs and the world order may be changing, but questions for us:

• Can we indicate our next actions with dignity and respect for the other?
• Whether inside or outside the lines, can we work toward trust and unity?
• How do we develop the skills to dialogue with and listen to differing viewpoints?
  

Each person holds the answers to these questions.  How do you respond?

Reminder:  Rules and Dialogue bring Awareness.

Larry Gardepie

Dialogue San Diego Consulting