Differences of Perspective Keep The Conversation Going

After I published the last blog post, I received an email from
someone who had read it and felt, based on how they
understood it, that I was off the mark. I want to share it,
as I think

1. It is good to have these types of conversations and
2. There might be others who think similarly

******************************************************

Here is what they had to say:

I am not sure how I feel about this piece in its entirety, but
rather than try to get into a twitter discussion about it,
I will say this;

That in light of recent events in Iran, I have a REALLY
hard time reading that last line, “It is up to you and each
and every vote counts.” and not thinking about people
dying on the streets because their votes most assuredly
did NOT.

So with that, I have to say that the timing of this piece
is questionable, at the very least.

Also, I understand your philosophy about not being
able to change another’s perspective. I just don’t
agree with it ... At all.

I have found in my life, in numerous situations, where
discussion (if not revolution) can result in people
changing their perspectives, their actions, their opinions,
in fact their very way of life.

It’s happened in front of my eyes working with street
children in Central America. So I know empirically that
it’s worked. And it’s what I want to believe ...
HAVE to believe is possible in my life.

...We are a ways apart on this point.
Although I will accept your perspective.

******************************************************

This was my response:

I thank you for taking the time to write out your thoughts...
very difficult to have philosophical conversation
in 140 character tweets.

Not that I am sure it really matters, but I actually wrote
this piece in 2004.

There is much difficulty for me when I express things
that work for mid range/normal/every day folk because
I know taken out of context there may be questions and
issues about the content.

The purpose of the article was more from a self awareness
perspective, rather than a global one.

As I tweeted yesterday (I had been tweeting @theexpert
on the topic of the power of words), I think within is
where it needs to begin - however, it certainly should
never stay there in my mind. If that was the case, I
wouldn't always be trying to reach out to make a
difference.

Being human is a team sport...We do not live in a vacuum.
However within the grand perspective are smaller ones,
and they all count, too. If we don't look at the smaller pieces,
I think in many ways the larger ones are doomed.

In no way am I saying that we shouldn't address other's
perspectives...that is where conversation comes in. If we
communicate how we feel, and nothing changes, then
we have choices we need to make. That is apparently
what is happening over in Iran - and in the context of what
I wrote, what they are doing is exercising their "vote."

I also want to note that I am not saying that perspectives
can't change, or that we shouldn't do things to present ideas
that can be a causes for consideration for those of another
mind...just that WE can't change another's perspective,
although we can make an argument for it, and perhaps
see changes as a result of their choice to alter where
they stand on an issue.

As I think about it, the article might stand amending.
There might be a 4th option, and that could be to make
the case for change. However, I would note that that
certainly might mean a revolution or battle of sorts. A
person would have to decide for themselves whether
or not it was a potential battle worth pursuing. There
are many battles that aren't likely worth it. The freedom
that Iranians are fighting for, well...that's a different
story (and still an individual choice to make and also
slightly out of context for what I wrote).

I would never pretend to understand why things are as
they are, but what I do know in terms of my own experience
comes from my own experience. People have a better
chance of listening when they feel they are being heard.

Is it an absolute? Absolutely not. Where are the
answers to the tough questions? I only wish I knew.

In the meantime, we need to be the best people we can
be and be in touch with ourselves, and beat the drums
of our own messages as we feel appropriate.

I admire you for your stand...You have a strong message,
and one that most certainly needs to be heard. I wish
I knew better myself how to communicate on things on
the bigger world scale. My "specialty" however, is the
one that occurs in our inner world.

I would like to think that if more people were in touch
with that place, the world as a whole would stand a
better chance. Conversation is very much a "live"
thing. It has great power to create. I appreciate the
opportunity you have given me to consider these
words in a different way.

I don't think we're as far apart as you might have
thought. I also appreciate your willingness to discuss,
and explore, if there was more of that we'd also be a
lot better off.

******************************************************

I think the above speaks for itself, and I am not sure
what could be added. However, interestingly, today
I saw a link for 22squared.com. (Once again, through
Twitter and, more specifically my "new" friends
@Collective_Soul.) They have a few videos on the site,
including the one below. Their company is about
business and branding, however I believe this message
speaks to all of life, and I think it was very well said.
I share it with you as an addendum to this conversation,
and as a possible perspective to consider.



Through differences of understanding, sometimes
communications can be misunderstood. I truly feel that
many of us are on the same page, we just don't know it.

What do YOU think?

(You may also want to read:
Words. Power. Are the Two Connected?)

People won't always appreciate the way you do your thing

Tonight I saw a tweet from someone that I want to
quote as the inspiration for this blog entry, but
if I do, I then need to tell you who it is, and I
don't think it is necessary for me to do that, as
I want to be clear about the message more than
focusing on the messenger.

Currently on Twitter there is a lot of discussion
about what is occurring in Iran. As a show of
support for those in Iran, many have colored their
avatar (their little profile picture that occurs
next to the person's twitter messages - "tweets")
in some way green.

Now...what does the green mean, exactly? Who
knows about "EXACTLY," but it has several possible
reasons and benefits:

1. To those in Iran who are managing to Tweet, if
they happen to see the green, or know about it,
it might give them a sign that they're not alone,
and that there are people in the world that support
them.

We all have associations with things that can become
symbols, and green carries significant symbolism
for the Iranian people.

2. To those outside of Iran it might be a way for
a person to bring attention to something that they
believe in, and want to support in some way.

I have had a heart and "#Eric" on my avatar for
some time, and it brings attention to the situation
that Eric De La Cruz finds himself in (see previous
posts). People ask about it, and sometimes get
involved themselves, as a result.

3. To some it may provide a certain feeling, a
certain energy, that is supportive of those in Iran
currently in the midst of the difficulties. Maybe
it makes them feel better.

Now here is where it gets a little interesting.
They may be doing it without realizing what I am
about to say. And what I am about to say may mean
nothing to some reading this, but consider that
if "everything is energy" as so many are saying
these days, then any thought we have makes a
difference. If every thought we have makes a
difference, then if something we associate with
a supportive thought (like a green shaded avatar)
triggers that supportive thought then there is
energy that is being created, potentially for
some benefit. Multiply that green by many, and
the effect also multiplies.

4. It could mean anything to anyone on any
individual basis. Most things have the meanings
WE give them.

Now...does the green avatar have a DIRECT benefit
for the people of Iran? None - that I can think
of. However, if the energies (thoughts) of everyone
who considers Iran are positively and lovingly
charged, even if having green avatars didn't
help directly, it certainly couldn't hurt.

I respect that some may think otherwise, and
having someone say that only "idiots" would
think that a green avatar would make a
difference as the tweeter I referenced above
did - to me - hardly seems necessary, or
appropriate - even if in the realm of possiblity
there was absolutely zero value in the exercise.

I tend to think we are more likely to hear what
another has to say if we're not feeling belittled
or insulted. Maybe this person had a perspective
worth hearing. The only problem was that the
minute he decided to take an inflammatory approach
many probably couldn't "hear" a word he wrote.

Since everything is perspective, I'd say that
would be something to consider when voicing
something you feel passionate about - especially
if you want to be heard.

And, of course, that is just MY perspective.
Thanks for listening. Have a good day/night
(whatever it may be in your part of the world)...
and thank you for doing what feels right to you, in
spite of what someone else might say.

We all need to feel supported, and supportive.
However it looks and feels is unique to the
individual and his/her experience, and it all
comes together to create our collective human
experience, for worse - or for better.

I'm shooting for more of the latter -
who's with me?

Perspective: The Power of a Team Effort

I read a few years ago about some "studies" were
done where people would come together at a certain
time of day and meditate in the interest of peace.
Their focus was a certain area/city. From what I
remember reading, you might dispute the benefit,
or say it was coincidence, however, during the time
of the experiment, there was a decrease in violence
in that (those?) area(s).

I was trying to find the information today, and the
closest I came to finding it was on this site:

http://www.permanentpeace.com/evidence/index.html

I bring this up because of 2 reasons. The first is
that today I noticed that @theexpert on Twitter was
asking for people to come together at a certain time
to send a "Tsunami" of love and good thoughts to
Eric De La Cruz, a 27-year-old, who is in desperate
need of a heart transplant.

Unfortunately, he is struggling with unknown issues
at the moment, and they are attempting to get him
stable enough to get on the heart transplant list.

It occurred to me that a daily dose of this love and
energy would be even better. So...this is what I
propose anyone interested do...at 6:00 PM (local time)
take a few minutes to send Eric loving and supportive
thoughts. With a global audience, that should mean
he'll be getting lots of energy flowing every hour.

Of course, you could do it more than once a day, or
on the hour any time of day, as you'll be supporting
the energy of others who are doing it at the same
time. I would like to think that energy at any time
could be cumulative and helpful, however the more
consistent, the more ability it may have to make a
difference.

For those who are on Twitter, posting the hourly
reminder might just help to keep the subject of #eric
in conversation and on the radar.

The other part of this is the news today out of Iran
regarding the elections, and the subsequent news.
It is unfortunately only one of many negative, news
making, headlines at this time in the world. Perhaps,
given what is going on, at the same time that you are
considering Eric, consider sending some loving energy
to the world, too.

If there is anything to the idea that "everything is
energy" and that focusing energy in masse can make
a difference, then it's worth a shot, don't you think?
And if, by any chance, you don't believe it, I respect
that, and ask what would the harm be in doing it
any way?

Just a thought.

PS At last count, this blog entry has been seen by
people in 92 countries, per bit.ly (via this link ->
http://bit.ly/ay3hE) If you like this idea, let's
keep it going, Please! Thanks.