Be kind and merciful. Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier.Mother Teresa
It is ever so much easier to love those we recognize as part of us--those who are like us (at least we think so). The reality is...we are all "like us" in more ways than we recognize. Even those people I "other-ize" because their beliefs make no sense to me are like me--connected to me even.
Elizabeth Lesser suggests that we "Take the Other to Lunch." I suggest that if we don't (or can't) do it literally, we can still be more kind, curious, understanding, and tolerant. Let's start by just listening.
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2 comments:
Given my sieve-like brain these days, I listened to that video three times, wanting to assure I lodge it in my gray cells for future reference. I like Lesser's idea of taking folks to lunch, and setting ground rules beforehand. I particularly like that both parties know from the get-go their intent is not to change one another's mind, and that they ask that question: What have you always wanted to ask a person on the other side?
I will strive to become "a proud I-don't-know-it-all," rather than being embarrassed at how many times I have to admit I don't know nearly enough. Love that!
Absolutely wonderful.Takes civility all the way to the heart. This is the first time I've heard Elizabeth Lesser speak, after years of seeing her name in multitudes of places. I'd like to have lunch with her, not as an other but as an acolyte.
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