Discussions can help guide your journey
The people you meet can:
provide you with a torch to help guide you out of the cave
pull you from a cravass
point you in the direction up
walk along side you on the same upward climb
show you hidden veiw at the peak you otherwise wouldn’t have seen
they may even show you new mountains to climb
The great thing about an online discussion
Online discussions are often considered a place for people to share their negative thoughts with no repricussions since you are not face-to-face
While that can be true I invite you to look at online discussions in a different light
Online discussions give us the space to walk away when emotions get to high
If we have a knee-jerk reaction we can step away and explore inwards before replying
Incredibly insightful and productive discussion can blossom between two parties that might have disagreed if the conversation was held face-to-face
Things to remember when having positive online discussions
Be kind. Be supportive. Be respectful
Walk away if you feel your emotions rise
close you eyes, breathe, and take a moment to think from the other persons perfective. think with their core values in mind to better see their perspective
Be as honest as possible
don’t disregard because you disagree
understanding does not equal ageeing
disagreeing does not equal argueing
If you have nothing that can be said in a kind and productive manner don’t say it
You are not trying to change someone’s beliefs, but understand there veiw
Tips for a productive discussion
use “I” statements rather then “you” statements
express one thing you agree with them one before you say what you disagree on
ask them to clarify or use different verbiage
seek to understand the other and see their perspective
(if you can’t looking at their diary may help)
speak to share, not to change minds
Look inward if you have a strong emotional reaction
Signs a discussion may be becoming unproductive
Your emotions are heightened
(is your jaw tense? are you breathing?)
You’ve stopped trying to see there perspective
You start subcounciously attacking/judging them
You think they are attacking/judging you
Your trying to convince them of something
You feel the need to disagree with all points they make
You can carefully express if you feel the person behind you is hiding behind a bias
If this is expressed both parties should leave the conversation for at least a day to dig deeply into their beliefs
Both should ask questions like:
Do I have a bias? Do I truly, at my core, believe what I am saying? Or am I just saying this becuase it is what I was taught and I know no other way?
Once ready come back to the conversation
If your opinion changed don’t be proud (not embarrassed) change is growth
Ready to start your join your first Discussion!!
rules
-No comments on diaries!! (only likes)
-No negative comments
(if you feel a post should be taken down email me and I will reveiw it)
-Be supportive of people’s growth and change!
-Be supportive of your own growth and change!
-Help heal horses through healing people!
-make ALL post in both diaries and discussions anonymous
-be kind and thoughtful to others even when you disagree in a discussion