Being true, while working together …

It’s being a time of observation of recent past and current events.  Experiencing feelings of sadness, frustration, hurt, anger, hope and aroha – not all at the same time thank goodness.

This world of duality, where we generally have a ‘one’s wrong, one’s right’ approach.
 
It seems we humans can’t quite get to grips with the idea that maybe both parties are right some of the time.  In the current situation, many have valid arguments, have valid fears and are holding strongly to their own personal truth.

The reality is at the mo, it is very difficult to know what the facts are, as we get constantly bombarded from all sides.  Most of these experienced experts will be sharing some fact, mixed in with some assumptions, have some omissions and maybe adding a bit of storytelling – we are human after all.

We all have biases.  We all see what we want to see.  Believe what we choose to believe.  And let’s not underestimate the amount of fear that is being currently generated.  This too is incredibly motivating (and controlling).

As with all things, people will find their truth amongst this.  And who am I to say they are wrong?  Who am I to assume I know what they know, have experienced what they have experienced?
 
The point being, there should be no shame in holding an opinion contrary to others.  Isn’t that what freedom (of speech) is all about?

I might absolutely disagree and have my own truths to back me up.  But what I have learnt (and continue to learn) is sometimes it’s really healthy to agree to disagree.  To allow others to walk their truth, learn and grow from their journey and me from my own.
 
To offer advice only when asked. It’s called respect. 

When the next debate comes along and we find ourselves on opposite sides of yet another dilemma, wouldn’t it be wonderful to know we can recognise that our opposing opinions might be where our strength lies?

Because this is how we learn and grow – as individuals and as a nation.  Our decisions can be richer and wiser just through the ability to empathise with others. 

This is not to say one shouldn’t stand strongly in what one believes.  We absolutely should!  Particularly so if there are injustices, which there are. 

It is to say we need to be mindful others will have different views and can feel just as strongly about them.  And that’s okay.  It’s healthy.  It’s democracy.  It’s also completely normal.

The word advocate and enquiry come to mind.  One is to have formed an opinion and then encourage others to think the same.  The other is to come with an open mind.  To maybe hold an idea but be open to hear and consider what others have to say. 

We are at an incredibly important crossroads and the question needs to be asked.  What world do we wish to live in, raise our children in? 

One of respect?  One of building strength and commonality through diversity? 

Or one of bitter division?

I would suggest one that we are empowered to think and create.  One where transparency, freedom of choice and equality are all highly valued, as this is our right, our strength and our power.

It is time to choose a new path.
​ 
Arohanui Aotearoa.