The Agreement Zone
“What makes me different?” is a question that popped up this morning.
As I began to answer it, I got a host of answers that people can agree on and argue about. Then I got one worth talking about.
I began the answering the question by listing things that most people like that I don’t. For example, I am not a fan of fireworks. I don’t yet appreciate David Letterman or Jay Leno. Monty Python and The Simpsons make me yawn. You can see where these stated preferences are out of the mainstream and could fire up the talk show “back and forth” any day of the week.
You are normal if you took the bait and began to disagree with me. Those are difference. Differences can divide until we find the place where we can all unite.
Believe it or not, there is a place where our opinion doesn’t matter. We rarely go there. Let’s call it “The Agreement Zone.”
There are no talk shows there. There are no soapboxes, pulpits, perches or podia from which to announce your position. In fact, talking is not allowed. The minute you speak, you are automatically ejected. The good news is you are welcomed back anytime you commit to the silence that’s necessary.
There are no personal opinions allowed in The Agreement Zone and you are required to check your intellect and cleverness at the door. “What a dull place” may be your response. That’s where I’ll gently differ with you.
You can proffer what honey tastes like until you burst a blood vessel, but if you’ve never tasted it, you need to take a spoonful before you speak.
Why does everyone agree in The Agreement Zone? Because there is nothing in there on which to disagree. That’s the key; there is nothing there, just endless space where you’ll never bump into an opinion to disagree with, not even your own.
Many never enter The Agreement Zone because they either don’t know of its existence or they’re too busy formulating an argument about untasted honey.
It’s going to be a noisy weekend for most even if you don’t celebrate the 4th of July.
Here’s a suggestion. Devote a portion of your curiosity to finding The Agreement Zone. Then go through the admission process of checking your opinions, positions, truths, and prejudices at the door and commit to the necessary silence required to enter.
If you can’t find this place on your own, look for a guide, someone who can help you get there. It will be the most peaceful vacation you’ve ever taken. The best news is even the most disagreeable come back with a greater sense of peace.
I’m not sure if The Agreement Zone is listed in the Conde Nast publications but I’ll lobby for it to be added. In fact, I just have.
All the best,
John
http://cdbaby.com/cd/johnmorgan
http://www.cafepress.com/grasshoppernote/3580301
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