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Interesting letter to President Obama

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mudpuppy:

--- Quote ---It was a wonderful, meaningful discussion. The outcome or "take-away" boiled down to
our conviction that the only positive way to engage those who disagree, is to listen deeply, hold
compassion, and be genuinely curious. Asking, "Why would you say you see this issue this way?"
Or, "What life experiences have you had that have contributed to how you stand on that?"
Or, "Can you tell me more about this?"
--- End quote ---

Hops,
I think I'd rather be dead in a ditch than have had most of the "wonderful, meaningful discussions" I've endured in my life.
And I have to say that your small group must have been very small indeed because, except possibly for you, I've never met anyone else who does any of those things or asks any of those questions. And since neither you nor I have convinced the other of anything that I'm aware of I question even their utility. :D
It's a very odd world, chock full of very odd people, doing very odd things, usually to the detriment of their fellow oddballs.
The best one can hope for IMO is to avoid the weirdos rather than engaging them and have as much fun as possible.
If, along the way, you can personally give someone a helping hand who truly needs it, rather than coercing your neighbor into doing so, so much the better.

mud

Hopalong:
Hi Mud,

As ever I may have expressed it poorly, but I have met some people who have
had a great rffect on me (and even some of my opinionated opinionizering) by
being so gracious that they showed openness to me this way:


--- Quote ---"Why would you say you see this issue this way?"
Or, "What life experiences have you had that have contributed to how you stand on that?"
[More conversational rewrite: "Did some things you've been through show you that? I'd be interested to hear..."]
Or, "Can you tell me more about this?"
--- End quote ---


Never mind my writing, but the gist of that experience is not so rare in my life. I've had many
teachers, including (((you))).

I guess when I let go my craving to be right or realize that winning isn't the point,
I get the wax out of my ears.

hugs
Hops

mudpuppy:
You expressed yourself just fine, Hops.
 I think the problem is a difference of perspective.
In my experience just about every meaningful, wonderful conversation I've ever had has started out with some question like;
Can you help me with this zipper?
Where is the "do not disturb" sign?
Did you remember the whipped cream?
not
How was this election season for you?


mud

mudpuppy:
This http://jgcaesarea.blogspot.com/2012/11/a-personal-invitation-to-president.html is the letter I believe tt was talking about. Her original link goes to the website but there have been several new posts since then so you have to look around a little. The one above should go directly to it.

mud

Dr. Richard Grossman:

--- Quote from: gratitude28 on November 20, 2012, 11:37:44 PM ---Thank you, Dr. Grossman. It's nice to review the materials you bring up here. I really like that you have added so much here lately. And although this is from another thread, I think that you should not have to treat people for free. I believe that you are insightful and caring and should be rewarded for your work. Just through this site, you have made an enormous, positive change in my life and I will forever be grateful to you.

--- End quote ---

Thank you, Beth.  What you wrote means a lot to me.  And I'm happy to see you posting again!

Happy Thanksgiving to all Board members!

Richard

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