Hello dear friends. In this period of illuminated societal ills, I am ever aware that it is time for me to just listen. This week, I want to share some words of wisdom from my colleague, Markus Hunt, Head of School for Logan Center for Creative Learning in Denver, Colorado. In his short post, "Dialogue as a Praxis for Peace," he lays out some guidelines for greeting one another with curiosity and respect and the importance of simply listening.

"My father, a minister, professor, and civil rights leader deeply believed in the power of dialogue. As a child, I was dumbfounded how even the most heated arguments between my father and eldest brother could end in a hug. I don’t know if they had agreed upon rules for engagement, but I have tried my best to follow Rapoport’s Rules. Anatol Rapoport was a game theorist and recommended the following approach to having contentious conversations:

• Attempt to re-express the other person’s position so clearly, vividly, and fairly that the other person says, “Thanks, I wish I’d thought of putting it that way.”

• List any points of agreement.

• Mention anything you have learned from the other person.

• And only then are you permitted to say so much as a word of rebuttal or criticism.

Perhaps the first step is to admit that what you believe may be wrong."

To access Markus' full post, please click here... www.markushunt.com/post/dialogue-as-a-praxis-for-peace

With love, we advance.