By Coralie Darsey-Malloy
My religion consists of a humble admiration Of the illimitable superior spirit Who is revealed in the slight details We are able to perceive With our frail and feeble mind.
--Albert Einstein
After being an active member on Mylot and observing countless discussions on all of the above I made a clear unambiguous and unequivocal decision not to take specific stand on any of the above.
My many years in the media as a producer, talk show host and journalist taught me to focus on ‘belief-proof’ issues rather than trying to bridge "The Chasm." This big "C" includes beliefs about the ‘Big Source’ and what is behind it? Or how does ‘He/She’ interact with human beings? Were we created…or did we evolve? The earth is how many years old? Say again? Really? I think you know where I’m coming from here.
Now it is not that I do not have opinions about all of the above…because I do. However, what I believe does not have any real relevance to many of the principles I write or comment on. Within my training in the media I learned the best approach is to not confirm, endorse or support any point of view. By choosing to observe from a neutral perspective there is a ‘judge not…lest you be judged’ theme that is immensely freeing.
With this approach my goal is to create an environment for respectful dialogue and accept differences whether we agree or not. When I talk about “the chasm’ it can be any size. For some it is a small crack. For others with extreme to fundamentalist beliefs the chasm is impossible to bridge. I find it easier and less aggravating to allow the contents of other people’s chasms to remain with them and whomever or whatever is contained within it.
This approach creates a discussion forum where individuals are not required to modify their Chasms before sorting out the rest of their lives. Experience has shown that exploration and being open enough to work through the limitations of constricting belief systems opens the way for more honoring conversations. From this place reevaluating long held belief systems is less threatening and more productive.
Having said this I understand my perspective may pose a problem for those who have intense feelings about things they disagree with. Then there are others who will be equally troubled when their powerful convictions do not align with those who are likewise invested. This is where polarized and mind sets often create conflict. Participating in arguments on either side and listening to how people try to win others to their side hold no appeal for me whatsoever.
Now I have been around the sun long enough to know that some who read about my observer position might take issue with it. Some might refuse to read anything written or presented by anyone not categorically and emphatically embracing their views of God and religion. Within an opposite extreme some could be turned off by the idea that I do believe in a Creator or Source who might be androgynous, male or female.
In every area of our work the goal is to give people the freedom to believe whatever they choose. We offer techniques that help believers and doubters…and everyone in between to live happier, healthier, more balanced and abundant lives. The biggest challenge in presenting ideas is to separate techniques that work regardless of belief or disbelief. Organized schools of thought whether religious, scientific, political, medical can prevent people from thinking outside the box.
As communicators we provide critical thinking tools…and just ask people to think! It is clear that some scientific discoveries are difficult for religious organizations to accept…and mystical techniques are often rejected within scientific communities. In our many years of experience we ask people to be emotionally mature enough to set aside the source, history and trappings of beliefs, techniques, ideologies, paradigms and begin to ask a few simple questions. Such as:
Do they work? Are they producing the intended or desired results? Are existing attitudes, beliefs, behaviors and dictates really giving you what you want and need?
No one can change anyone until they are aware there is a problem…so all change begins with awareness. Getting into heavy debates and trying to win others over to one way of thinking or another is what continues to create conflicts in every form of human communication. Polarities exist from the one on one ‘in your face debates’ to countries fighting over their right to kill in the name of God.
Changes come when people begin to have the courage to think differently and seek harmonious resolutions. From my perspective I choose to think that if enough people began to communicate in non aggressive ways we could reach a point where there actually could be an end to war. It builds as one does it, then another…and eventually critical mass is achieved. Even if one person with a conscience can begin creating a ripple effect it could become a majority through what is called the collective consciousness.
So with harmonious, respectful dialogue as a goal I honor your right to think and be who you are and ask you do the same for me. After listening to conversations and debates from individuals who are trapped in years of conditioned thinking I prefer to be less concerned where ideas come from…but where they might be taking us. Robert Frost stated my perspective in one eloquent statement…Education is the ability to listen to almost anything without losing your temper or your self-confidence.
My religion consists of a humble admiration Of the illimitable superior spirit Who is revealed in the slight details We are able to perceive With our frail and feeble mind.
--Albert Einstein
After being an active member on Mylot and observing countless discussions on all of the above I made a clear unambiguous and unequivocal decision not to take specific stand on any of the above.
My many years in the media as a producer, talk show host and journalist taught me to focus on ‘belief-proof’ issues rather than trying to bridge "The Chasm." This big "C" includes beliefs about the ‘Big Source’ and what is behind it? Or how does ‘He/She’ interact with human beings? Were we created…or did we evolve? The earth is how many years old? Say again? Really? I think you know where I’m coming from here.
Now it is not that I do not have opinions about all of the above…because I do. However, what I believe does not have any real relevance to many of the principles I write or comment on. Within my training in the media I learned the best approach is to not confirm, endorse or support any point of view. By choosing to observe from a neutral perspective there is a ‘judge not…lest you be judged’ theme that is immensely freeing.
With this approach my goal is to create an environment for respectful dialogue and accept differences whether we agree or not. When I talk about “the chasm’ it can be any size. For some it is a small crack. For others with extreme to fundamentalist beliefs the chasm is impossible to bridge. I find it easier and less aggravating to allow the contents of other people’s chasms to remain with them and whomever or whatever is contained within it.
This approach creates a discussion forum where individuals are not required to modify their Chasms before sorting out the rest of their lives. Experience has shown that exploration and being open enough to work through the limitations of constricting belief systems opens the way for more honoring conversations. From this place reevaluating long held belief systems is less threatening and more productive.
Having said this I understand my perspective may pose a problem for those who have intense feelings about things they disagree with. Then there are others who will be equally troubled when their powerful convictions do not align with those who are likewise invested. This is where polarized and mind sets often create conflict. Participating in arguments on either side and listening to how people try to win others to their side hold no appeal for me whatsoever.
Now I have been around the sun long enough to know that some who read about my observer position might take issue with it. Some might refuse to read anything written or presented by anyone not categorically and emphatically embracing their views of God and religion. Within an opposite extreme some could be turned off by the idea that I do believe in a Creator or Source who might be androgynous, male or female.
In every area of our work the goal is to give people the freedom to believe whatever they choose. We offer techniques that help believers and doubters…and everyone in between to live happier, healthier, more balanced and abundant lives. The biggest challenge in presenting ideas is to separate techniques that work regardless of belief or disbelief. Organized schools of thought whether religious, scientific, political, medical can prevent people from thinking outside the box.
As communicators we provide critical thinking tools…and just ask people to think! It is clear that some scientific discoveries are difficult for religious organizations to accept…and mystical techniques are often rejected within scientific communities. In our many years of experience we ask people to be emotionally mature enough to set aside the source, history and trappings of beliefs, techniques, ideologies, paradigms and begin to ask a few simple questions. Such as:
Do they work? Are they producing the intended or desired results? Are existing attitudes, beliefs, behaviors and dictates really giving you what you want and need?
No one can change anyone until they are aware there is a problem…so all change begins with awareness. Getting into heavy debates and trying to win others over to one way of thinking or another is what continues to create conflicts in every form of human communication. Polarities exist from the one on one ‘in your face debates’ to countries fighting over their right to kill in the name of God.
Changes come when people begin to have the courage to think differently and seek harmonious resolutions. From my perspective I choose to think that if enough people began to communicate in non aggressive ways we could reach a point where there actually could be an end to war. It builds as one does it, then another…and eventually critical mass is achieved. Even if one person with a conscience can begin creating a ripple effect it could become a majority through what is called the collective consciousness.
So with harmonious, respectful dialogue as a goal I honor your right to think and be who you are and ask you do the same for me. After listening to conversations and debates from individuals who are trapped in years of conditioned thinking I prefer to be less concerned where ideas come from…but where they might be taking us. Robert Frost stated my perspective in one eloquent statement…Education is the ability to listen to almost anything without losing your temper or your self-confidence.
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