I do agree with the statement "When we shrink from the world, our soul shrinks too." Much of what makes a person who they are and helps to develop the soul of a person is how they interact with the world around them. When we pull back and stop interacting with others we stiffle a key part of our life experience and soul development and in effect actually can begin a soul regression. We need personal interaction to thrive as human beings.
I have at times stayed silent about public issues. I believe that there is a time and place for every discussion and likewise an inappropriate time and place. To just argue for the sake of argument is a useless battle and I believe can often actually weaken the impact of sharing your beliefs on an issue. Just as with any views I believe that the way in which we approach the subject and how it is stated as well as to whom should always be considered. I don't want to be constantly hounded about polictical views, or social issues. Therefore, I refuse to just hound others with my views.
That being said I am also very open about how I feel on any issue if asked, or if I am in a forum in which talking about, arguing for, or working toward my views and goals can make a difference I will definitely stand up and make my position very clear.
So yes, it is important to speak out. It is also important to think about the forum you speaking in.
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Jenny, this is a great response! I definately agree with you. I believe as well that our interactions with the humans (and world/environment) around us determines much of our view points. I am not sure what I would be able to bring to the table without listening to and understanding other's beliefs. I think that converstations would be so superficial that life would therefore be boring.
ReplyDeleteI think SLICE will give you that forum you need to be open about your positions. I can't wait to get to know what you believe as we encounter this journey together so that I can bring your perspective into my understanding of the world later in life!
Jenny, I see it both ways. Sometimes, I have to be quiet because if I say something, especially at work, people take it the wrong way, when they asked for comments. I generally try to be open and honest but without hurting others. But some people think I am pushy or overstepping my bounds. I usually just shut up and then don't contribute. As for world views, I will speak up but I don't ever get on blogs or write the newspaper because I don't have time.
ReplyDeleteI agree that there is a time and place to present a disagreement in a topic. Most feel that a disagreement automatically means argument but like you said it is the way one presents themselves in deciding whether someone else is going to open their mind to your opinion. I am also beginning to be open-minded to others beliefs about current issues which motivates me in questioning what and who has influenced me to cause me to believe what I do. :)
ReplyDeleteJenny, I honestly did not think about the fact that there is a time and place to speak your mind. I think most of us naturally do it; but, I wasn't thinking about this when I was reading the chapters and writting my response to the question. As I read your blog I realized I do gree with what you have said. If we do not wait till the right oppertunity we would not be able to properly get our message across.
ReplyDeletePersonally, though, I do speak up about my opinions abot recent news events when given the oppertunity. I prefer to do it in person instead of over blogs because I like to see the reactions of the person in order to have an idea of how they are really feling.
Great post Jenny, interaction between each other is a key element in our world. I for one think we are all connected, just as the trees and plants are, as a unified being, but with an individual perception. This ties heartily with fact we need to have that communication and positive energy when trotting through life, else it becomes meaningless. I heard a quote once, I cant remember how it goes exactly, but something to the affect of "life is only interesting when you surround yourself with others lives."
ReplyDeleteI do, on the other hand, have to agree with Skyler. I think that although there is sometimes an inappropriate time to speak, there is also always the time to put your opinion on the table. Being docile and listening to someone speak is worthwhile, however if you ever hope to live in the world YOU want, you need to speak your mind as you see fit. If I didn’t, I wouldn’t be here now, nor would I have some of the opportunities that presented themselves. Same goes for you. A missed opportunity only falls on your shoulders.
Thanks Jenny.
-Jeremy
Man, structurally I failed there. My bad. =P
ReplyDelete-J