Engaging in Civil Discourse

Being Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable

I met a gentleman for breakfast this morning and had a very unique experience. While I hesitate to bring politics up in my writings, I feel bringing awareness to the concept of civil discourse is relevant and important in today’s American society. There is deep value in being respectful to each other regardless of belief systems, ideaologies and thought processes.

We spent much of our two hour and fifteen minute breakfast discussing hot button topics. While I was incensed over his loyalist support of a former American president, I feel the need to point out that we were both able to listen to each other’s point of views and respectfully disagree with each other. Neither of us engaged behavior that forced or required the other person to believe what we believed. We did not get angry or start belittling each other. We only required each other to understand one another and our political positions related to our thought processes and belief systems. Oddly, we did discover that when we removed this former American president from the equation of our conversation, we actually believed and valued many of the same ideals.

Make the Choice to Coexist

Coexistence is the point of living in society. We do not, and cannot possibly, believe all the same concepts and ideaologies as the next person. Humans are unique and need to engage in civil discourse in order for harmony to exist. Harmony is absolutely achieveable when we focus on understanding instead of judgement.

If humans could simply accept and try to understand one another, our societies would be healthier versions of their current existence. When we spend life pushing others down because of the way they think, they way they live, and the way they believe, it causes civil unrest, hatred, bigotry, and so many more unnecessary evils that the world can do without.

I ask you step outside of your comfort zone and have a conversation with someone that seems unlike you. Get comfortable with being uncomfortable. Learn something about someone who seems different than you. You may discover you are more alike than you initially thought.

Let us live in harmony. Let us experience life with love and acceptance. Let us coexist peacefully.

Until next time…

Peace and love,

Jessica <3