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?)

The Conversation Continues: Words. Power.

David Weir on the heels of theexpert's Bubbletweet
(which is what got me writing my last blog on this
subject) wrote his own take on the BNET Media Blog:
What if Your Business Model Leads to Murder?

I share this with you as another piece to consider.
I don't necessarily agree with the approach that
either one of these people are taking (and in general
I am a big fan of @theexpert), however, it is a great
thing that we don't have to see things the same way
and have the freedom to disagree.

I almost was going to say "in this country." I
stopped myself because I realized that this is a
part of the debate the murkys the waters. When we
start putting pieces and parts in the picture that
can be seen as politically based, the core of any
picture can be distorted.

What these two are wanting to get to at the core
(I suspect) is the same thing we can all agree on:
Can't we just have a respect for one another? The
examples that they point out are ones that are most
obviously lacking in respect for the other human
beings involved. If there was an inherent respect,
those words - whether they incite - or not - would
never have been said.

Whether or not we agree, we must live in this world
together (some beautiful, thought provoking
perspective by Carl Sagan) and odds are fairly good
that there will always be disagreement when it comes
to perspective. The beauty of disagreement is that
it helps us to see ourselves more clearly, and helps
us to define where we stand, and what is important
to us.

What is sometimes not so beautiful are the ways that
we sometimes express ourselves as a result of this
disagreement. However, the disagreement and the
resulting actions are two different things. Cause
never equals effect. Are they/can they be related?
Quite often it would seem likely, however to have
the two converge as it so often does can be a recipe
for some of the horrendous acts that we have been
witness to as human beings.

I realize that what I say may not fit for everyone,
as disagreement is fueled with passion. Trying to
get a person to change their mind sometimes on
something (which is what so many of us do) is like
trying to take away their passion.

Think about the things you are passionate about.
Is there any wonder why it only seems to make them
want to fight for their perspective even more?

I'll leave you with this last thought.
A Perspective on P.E.A.C.E.

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.

Perspective: It's all in how you look at it

This was brought to my attention by @theexpert
on Twitter.

It shows how anything can be viewed in a way that is
beneficial or not so beneficial. It's my perspective that
sometimes it's good to stand back and see things in a
different way. You either wind up appreciating what
you have, or you might consider other options.

Enjoy!

Perspective: Why in the world would anyone use Twitter?

On February 1 of this year, I joined the ranks of Twitter,
a/k/a Twitterland, Twitterville, Twitterverse, the land of
its own Twitterology (a/k/a language, terminology)
as @JoLoPe. (Those who Twitter a/k/a Twitterites/Twitterers
will place the @ sign in front of another's ID to "address"
a/k/a message another user).

One thing I noticed is that there are many self professed
geeks. Another thing I noticed was @MarkDavidson
who was constantly Twittering (a/k/a updating, messaging)
to others "I will not flirt with ," several times, with several members.

I noted a number of members who were very attractive
women who were so excited about getting a free lap top,
telling me that I could get one, too.

There also seemed to be a marked dislike by many for how
many others were using these things called DMs (a/k/a
Direct Messages, Private Messages). One member, @Boshemia
was even so excited when I communicated with her, as I was
proving to her that I was not a "bot" (a/k/a an automated
system doing the work).

I found myself awkwardly navigating the site, jumping into
conversations, hoping that in the only 140 characters I
could use to communicate (that's all that Twitter will
allow per communication) would come off sounding OK. I
realized soon enough that a conversation could be held
by stringing a number of these messages together. I wasn't
limited to one to convey my whole thought, while at the
same time finding myself more and more adept at
communicating succinctly.

I followed links to all sorts of sites, and started to
"Follow" people, some with a staggering number of "Followers."
(Following is like subscribing to a magazine: You get
to read the articles - in this case posts/updates - if you
flip through the pages - in this case - the stream a/k/a
the messages/updates of those you are following and/or go
to their own personal stream pages by clicking on their name.)

Some Tweets (the messages/updates) that those who use
Twitter write were profane, inflammatory, others kind
and generous. There were messages of quotes, of
inspiration, and messages about what someone was eating
for lunch. There were "Good Morning" types or messages,
and end of day sign off messages. There were many,
including myself pondering what it was to be obsessed
by Twitter, or what it takes to be a Twitter addict.
Thanks to @theexpert, I found out. To my relief,
by his definition, I think I MIGHT be safe - for the moment,
any way.

I had only about 40 followers in the first couple of weeks,
and wondered how those who had so many managed to get them.
I saw one guy who had this "crazy" idea to get thousands
of subscribers in a relatively short time, and saw many jump
on the idea, and watched as there seemed to be mixed
reaction and results.

Some people believe in following anyone who follows them.
Others are more discriminating. There are theories and ideas
on that, too. There are many who would profess to be an
expert on social media, and lots of tools and opinions are
in various blogs and in various sites. There is a wealth of
opinion and a wealth of information.

Who's right? Who's more right? Who's wrong? Who do you
listen to? Which way does one go?

Does this sound like anything else to you? Like maybe your
life? It may not be as obvious in your day to day life,
however, in my work as a life coach, and hypnotist, I have
found that many people have opinions about how other's lives
should go, and lack an understanding and appreciation for
forging their own path.

I recently saw an article about 5 people who broke social
media's rules, and loved it. I loved it because it is
my opinion that the rule breakers are the ones that, in many
ways, have the potential to move us forward. If we always
did things the way others said we should, where would progress
come from (see great video on the genius of unique thought
in a previous blog entry)?

However, more importantly, at least in my perspective, is
the idea of being true to who YOU are. When I first started
to Tweet, I was getting the lay of the land, and seeking to find
the way it works for me. When I first started, what I was doing
was uncomfortable, in part because it was new, and in part
because I was seeking to understand the *best* way to use the
site.

I saw many established users saying that relationships come
FIRST, and THEN selling, and yet, there are many who are all
about me, me, me and what I have to offer. Aren't I great?
(LOL, I can't resist another message from that wise sage,
@theexpert.)

It occurs to me to question whether or not this approach
works in "real" life. In my experience, I would say not.
In my experience, we would all probably get along a lot
better and understand one another more, if we all could get
that life is better lived in our relationships to one another,
vs what we can get from one another. The cool thing seems
to be if we do we relate, then we get whole lot more than
if we start in the place of how can we get something from
someone.

Yes, I came to Twitter for business reasons. I had a radio
show I wanted to promote, and wanted to meet people who
were interested in hypnosis and wanted to be hypnotized
a/k/a new clients (smile), and I saw it as an avenue in which
to do that. However, what I have found is my new office.

For years I have worked at home, and have missed the office
environment from the social perspective. The "Good Morning"s,
the "How was your weekend"s, the conversation about what was
going on in another's life...the doctor's appointment...the
hope you are feeling better...the elevator social chats...
the same people I would see on the commute to work...
the friendships in between the work.

And, just like any other office, this one has its quirks and
its characters. It has its leaders and its followers. It
has its own style and personality. It has its rules and its
rule breakers. It has its own way of speaking and language.

I now get that a part of the charm of Twitter IS in the
lunch descriptions, and in the things that are not all business.
I know there are some who would entirely disagree. The cool
thing is, though, is that in beginning to find my own pace,
my own approach, I am in touch with some really amazing people
who think that I am so cool. The funny thing is that I was
never the cool one growing up. At least I never felt that way.
And yet, here I am amongst some of the coolest kids on the
block, and they're wanting to be around me.

I suspect that there is a lot to be said for being true to
we are. It is an incredible magnet. There is a lot to be
said for creating life as we would have it be, versus the way
someone else says it should be.

Btw, I have also found that it relates to life. Sometimes I
will try to do something just as someone else has done it,
after all, it works for them. Aren't you supposed to follow
success? Well...I have found what THEY do awkward for me,
even after the newness has warn off. That is when I know that
whatever the thing is, or whatever the approach is, I need to
find my own way, which is not necessarily easy with the
voices of others and their opinions in my life, however, I
must say, that when I do follow MY own lead (after
consideration of what others have done), I am my most content
and successful.

I have very much enjoyed my hours, lots and lots of hours, on
Twitter, and have met some great people, and sooooo look forward
to getting to know those who are following me. Just know that
if you do follow, sooner or later I am going to find you, and
ask you about yourself, and I am going to want to know more
about you than the fact that you sell your product or service.

There is more to you than that. We both know it, and I would
love to be able to learn more about those parts of you, and share
those parts of you with others. The places you are the most
passionate are the ones that I find the most intriguing - likely I
can relate to those things better than I can to your product or
service.

I don't know about you, but when I used to work in an office,
there was always work to be done, but so often I would find
the stuff in between the work to be the most enjoyable and
interesting.

However, please know that I know that others may have an interest
and benefit in getting to know all about you - product and
service - and all. I am happy to share. I would say it's one
of the best things about Twitter.

In my mind (and perspective!), when you keep others in mind,
hooking up with like minds has never been easier.

Thanks so much for reading, and have an AWESOME day!
Elizabeth a/k/a JoLoPe