Conflict and the Fools Either Side of an Argument
Film and words concerning the resolution of conflict
Conflict is universal. I imagine each conflict to be reflective of all others, in the deepest of all respects. These five minutes are representative of the voice required to overcome conflict. A courageous voice given appropriate and deserving time and space.
In a time of conflict (now, it would seem) I imagine the tone of such a voice might serve a universal purpose. The series of film portraits for which this is an opener was made with the US Bureau of Land Management as patron. The conflict was over water rights, hence the image.
The films are used by many in the field of conflict resolution. I’ve heard that the tone changes the willingness of people on either side of an argument to listen deeply to each other.
note: our twelve year old (at the time) daughter helped out on this film trip in Oregon.
Two Fools In A Mirror
‘We won’t have peace until we can
both agree,’ said the two fools
on either side of an argument.
‘We won’t have peace until the other
gives way,’ said each about their foe.
But peace could never be had.
Peace is an indescribable warmth
that belongs to no one.
And to everyone.
And its warmth would only be felt
once each fool could face
the mirror and recognize the other.
Two Fools was written on the plane ride on the way to give a speech at the Women’s National Democratic Club in Washington DC. They were the first to hear it. I left an appropriately long and considered silence after speaking it out loud.
Further Notes on the Seeing of Others
We see each other through the lens of our mind’s eye. This is what we believe seeing to be. It is our habit. Seeing through the largely unrecognized opaqueness of the opinions and requirements of our mind. As such, most of what we experience of another is our conclusion. Our idea of the person. Our story.
If we connect in the realm of understanding and ideas, we are connected to our idea of another. And that idea will move, and the connection will break. Such is the nature of ideas.
There is a way of seeing another beyond any act of the mind. A seeing with awareness. It leads to the knowing of the deep interior of another. An experience of a person’s soul. It leads to a recognition that we are a part of this same life and that we’ve always been connected.
I can show you this. I can show you how to catch sight of the inner view of another. I can show you how to see the human soul.
Dates currently in December (waiting list), January (spaces available) and February (waiting list).
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I opened up paid for subscriptions here. In support of furthering this work. I’ll write more about this in the weeks to come. Whether you choose to contribute or not, you will get the same experience and content. Either way, you are welcome here.
