There is so much conflict in our society and the entire world.  It has become increasingly difficult to find the things that all of us have in common.  Seems to me, that deep conversation may be essential to finding that answer. But, before one can have that, a quiet, peaceful environment must be found.  Creating a space for this to happen requires an open mind.

That is really hard to do when everything that surrounds us is filled with animosity due to conflicting ideologies, on almost everything, it seems.  There appears to be no middle ground on so many topics of conversation. In addition, instead of having constructive dialogue with others whose views may be in conflict with our own thoughts, we tend to avoid those conversations altogether.  Instead of trying to see another person’s point of view, we tend to commiserate with those who have the same opinion. So we sacrifice the possibility of compromise to avoid the discomfort of such situations. We simply are afraid of confrontation, and that precludes any understanding we might gain from talking to one another.

It is awkward, to say the least, to find balance.  By not being willing to face conflict head on, we find the challenge to do so grows dimmer with the passage of time.  So what should we do?

Here’s a possible suggestion. First of all, there would need to be a professional mediator. Then, perhaps people on both sides of a problem could gather with other like-minded individuals.  A venue would need to found where people of both sides of an issue could meet with each other and talk. With an agenda that is agreed upon, the discussion of sensitive topics could begin. There would also need to be  ground rules, but it would necessarily have to do with being respectful to one another and having a desire to see where different persons were coming from. Most of all, people would need to agree to actively listen to one another.

Balance in ourselves and in the world begins with understanding other points of view.  By coming together as human beings, on equal ground, peace can begin to grow and hostility can decrease.  What do we have to lose? Even if the results do not produce the desired result at first, if people truly desire peace, compromise is necessary.  And it takes time. It took time to polarize people in the first place. The alternative to not trying is failure. Can we afford to live in such a world?  Can’t we learn to get along better? Isn’t it possible to just agree to disagree? Surely, it is in all of our best interests to persist. There is a path to peace.  Together, we can find it and follow it. We just have to want it enough.