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- Subscribe - Contact Us - Rate Card - Place an Ad Archives Revels Classifieds Real Estate Guide Weather Subscribe Contact Us December 21, 2004 Compassion central to communication The recent contentious dialogue among Guest Forum writers about the purpose and teachings of Peace House has illuminated how much we live in polarized times. As Quakers, we wonder how might harmony be created out of the confusion and chaos caused by polarization. Our efforts to better get along with our local and international neighbors are limited by the tools we have on hand. Even in the process of building peace, we are subject to using unjust systems. Take for instance our language. The "rule of thumb" originally referred to the width of a stick, no wider than his thumb, with which a man was allowed to beat his wife; "deadlines" were the lines drawn in military prisons which, when crossed, meant one would be shot. Regardless of our intentions, our words and deeds may come across in ways that are perceived as aggressive. The enthusiasm with which we present our cause might well be misperceived as invasive, even belligerent - even when these words speak of non-violence. Polarizing words emerge from polarized thoughts. With advanced technology and increased awareness, we are now blessed with more information than we've been used to processing. Some of our attempts to be peaceful with our neighbors are compromised by our struggles to even find peace of mind. Within the problem of polarization lies its solution. Polarities are merely choices. Choices become problematic when we assume that what is favorable for us is also better for everyone. Mustering up the courage to check out our assumptions can circumvent misunderstanding. Asking our adversaries to explain how they reached their conclusions allows us to find common thoughts and feelings, perhaps even a sense of common humanity. Often we then come to realize that if we had lived this other person's life, we, too, may have developed his or her world view. The act of listening to a person who holds beliefs different from our own dissolves the stereotype of our being non-caring. Compassion is the antidote for polarization. Compassion is born out of the realization that without the odd-shaped pieces the puzzle just won't fit together. Compassion emerges when the yin and the yang move beyond just putting up with each other, as we realize that a kernel of each other's truth lies within ourselves. Compassion replaces "othering," or de-humanizing, with respect. Compassion reminds us that we can embrace contention as a forum for reconciliation. Compassion allows us to live peacefully with ourselves, especially through times filled with confusion and chaos. Bob Morse, Clerk South Mountain Friends Meeting Ashland DailyTidings.com Home Page Archives | Revels | Classifieds | Real Estate Guide | Weather | Subscribe | Contact Us Copyright 2005 Ashland Daily Tidings and Ottaway Newspapers All Rights Reserved Slippers Women's & Men's Slippers Ceramic Piggy Banks heloc libor rate Calenders 2005 Calender 2005 Accelerate Weightloss Products Memory Foam Mattress afsa studentloans home equity loans teleconferencing W2 Forms fasa student loans Matchmaking & Dating Scripts African Safari Conference Calls - $50/Month Security Systems student loan consolidation wholesale diamonds Currancy Exchange web conferencing Online Casinos Community Click Here Site Search: .:Advertisements:. RESOURCES - Mail Tribune News - ODOT Road Cams