The Point of Peace
A point is a place in space. Think of planet Earth as a point in a vast universe.
Now think of another round object – a circle. Some ancient math wizard determined that a circle has 360 degrees. Using a circle to represent all of space, we camp out on a specific arc of that circle, at a certain degree number, and that represents our point of view.
We don’t realize that we can adopt any point on the circle, at any time, to change our angle of view.
The reason we don’t change angles that often is because the one we’re on has become comfortable. We, in effect, get stuck there.
When we encounter others stuck on a different point than ours, we have a difference of opinion.
Notice how a difference of opinion escalates into judgements about the people viewing life from a different angle than ours.
That difference of opinion generates more opinions. This has us dealing with the layers of opinions about the person, rather than with the person themselves.
These judgements are comparative in nature. You compare them to you or to your ideal. They are viewed as “less than” which makes you or your cause “more than.” This adds kerosene to an already hot fire. They do the same thing.
The story of the general on the hill best illustrates how a broader view can save the day. The soldier at his point on the battlefield can only see what’s right in close view. His only mission is to battle for that point. He doesn’t have the vantage point of the general who can see the entire field and can call for a retreat to consider other points.
No one likes a protracted war, not even trained soldiers or wizened generals. They, like you, want to find a way to peace with people who are taking up other points.
Here’s a starting point offered by The Grasshopper:
“Not less than . . . Not more than . . . Same as.”
This is the point of peace.
When we start to feel judgements creeping in, that’s the time to remind ourselves that others are not less than us, more than us, but simply the same as us. Our sameness is disguised by the layers of opinions that we’ve built up defending our particular arc of the circle.
“Not less than . . . Not more than . . . Same as” is an approach that opens us to explore more of the circle and see different angles of view. This makes us whole. Whole in relation to another is “Same as.”
It’s easier to entertain another’s point of view when we become them – “Same as.”
The truth is we are them, only our coverings are different.
This “Same as” approach doesn’t mean differences won’t continue to crop up. They will.
“Same as” gives you the greatest opportunity to explore a solution from the common ground known as the point of peace. More can be accomplished from this vantage point than can ever be seen while on the battlefield.
This is a view you’ll want to practice during times of peace so it becomes second nature during periods of war.
I’m not asking you to believe this approach works. I’m requesting that you test drive it and see if it can take you to the top of the hill.
All the best,
John
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