38 The Ernstraudian Way
We have been creating our own
worlds—first mentally and then tangibly. We are doing this with
two methods: (a) we picture our preferred conditions until we
perceive them around us and (b) we act on our environment to
realize those conditions. We need resilience to meld the methods
smoothly into a way of life. Thinking and doing are
complementary.
Sounds inviting, doesn’t it? Are you ever
drawn away from this idyllic scenario? Accept my assurance that
it is still in my heart when I am digging my car out of a
snowdrift or soothing a reader who thinks my last article was
impressively stupid. The mundane world tugs me away from my
reverie, but my spirit is forever free, spreading its wings and
rising above the fray.
Coming back down to earth I face
realities of daily upkeep. Nevertheless, the most important part
of my reality is rubbing off my spirited freedom on you so that
we can share a vision of what might and will be. Together we will
delineate the possible. It is worth the time we spend
together.
Now that I have glorified the answer, let
me give you the question: why don’t people get along with each
other? Do you see that the above paragraphs move us far beyond
political infighting? It is painful even to bring up that
word in this peaceful article.
There is a need for happiness. When we are in the world, joy is
present in the world. Some time ago I expressed the idea in this
graphic:
This school is not characterized by
unanimous agreement. Our unity is the absence of contention as we
share diverse viewpoints. Indeed, the inclusion of viewpoints is
our hallmark. We appeal to each other not in the tone of “my idea
is better” but rather in the tone of “see how each of us has an
idea that helps the other idea to grow.” Electioneering is sadly
expressed as “fight and win.” We do not use that paradigm here.
Instead we learn and grow
together.
Why this sudden outburst of flowery
language? My heart feels a tender closeness with my readers. We
are the ones willing to teach a fresh generation of collaborating
associates to bring about progress without arousing hostility.
Instead of fighting an opposing idea, we chart a course to good
outcomes and invite all parties to join us on the Ernstraudian
Way:
- Begin where you are.
- Face the light.
- Proceed at your own pace.
- Bring someone with you.
Being For Others Blog copyright © 2020 Kent Busse
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