Reflect means grasping the totality of a situation, especially our own role in producing it
Ask if you learned the lesson an experience presents. Without review, integration, and resolution, we have wasted the opportunity it presents to us.
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Transform a political issue into a Quest
Think of any issue that you have a stake in, in which you are committed to one side. Say something good about the opposing side. Imagine a response that addresses the good in each.
Turn a political dilemma into a quest
There is so much enmity in politics and its skewed representation of human nature. In every case, every time a political issue is presented to us, we can look for and find another way, one not dependent on policy, law, enforcement and coercion. On the contrary, this is an opportunity to transform the field on which the opposing parties meet, so that they do not meet in opposition. That is, to restore our humanity.
1. Have faith that mutual understanding is possible. Proceed with respect for the opposing side.
2. Begin by describing the existing political approach. Point out the ways humiliation, anger, bitterness, callousness are involved.
3. Ask yourself, what do you want others to know about what you care about? What do you want those who don’t understand or disagree to think about carefully and compassionately?
4. Ask yourself what is good in your opponent, and what is good in their goals. What is most important to them, their real goal?
5. Find a way that changes assumptions, that all sides can agree with, that works at the heart level.
6. Ask for reflection, goodwill, and collaborative action.
Are you worthy of democracy?
Are you patriotic?
Read the pledge of allegiance. Maybe play an excerpt from the National Anthem.
What political issues are most important to you?
Do you vote? Why or why not?
Whose voices are not being heard? What interests are not being expressed?
“All, too, will bear in mind this sacred principle, that though the will of the majority is in all cases to prevail, that will to be rightful must be reasonable; that the minority possess their equal rights, which equal law must protect, and to violate would be oppression.” Thomas Jefferson, First Inaugural Address