The art of communicating verbally to each other by all means surpasses all kinds of study we could ever do about people, culture, beliefs, anything at all. The best way to know anyone at all is to come up close. The best way to educate oneself about others and deal with our ignorance is to hold conversations. This is not about the sweet and sugary conversations. It’s about all conversations about uncomfortable topics, with people whom we are not exactly completely comfortable with whom we may not even agree with. Of course it takes courage, patience, compassion, a very good level of maturity to hold conversations like this.
In the end you’ll find that it is very difficult to hate people up close. The least possible outcome will be a bit of understanding. Ultimately the best possible outcome would be harmonious exchange. After all when two “enemies” are talking in a civil dialogue, they’re not fighting; they’re just talking.
A missed opportunity for dialogue is a missed opportunity for conflict resolution. Whether or not it offers immediate remedies, for whatever it’s worth, whenever possible human beings should take the time and use their abilities of civility, respect and compassion.
For the topics or issues that you grapple with, find opportunities to talk to people who are on the other side of the aisle. More than hear, do put some effort into listening to them as they hopefully also do the same.
It can end in one of many ways;
1. You change your mind altogether or the other party does. Someone with a string argument wins over the other.
2. You build bridges to make valuable connections and relationships with people who would otherwise be viewed as enemies. You meet half way or simply
3. You choose that you totally understand the other party and out of compassion towards yourself and them you’ll give them their peace and walk away with yours relinquishing all misunderstandings, grudges and conflict. Sometimes it is even better to let people go peacefully retaining no hatred towards them especially after understanding who they are and that you won’t change them but you won’t hate them either.
What do you think about conversation or this perspective?
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