Chat the Minefield

This is a rough time for citizen diplomats like you and me. The US Department of State tells us that citizen diplomacy is the concept that the individual has the right, even the responsibility, to help shape U.S. foreign relations, "one handshake at a time." That's fair, but what happens after the handshake, in the conversation itself, can be a minefield of potential conflict. 

First, let's dial back the term "foreign relations." These days, given the state of social affairs, anything outside of ourselves could be considered "foreign." The country is divided on many key issues. Our families are struggling. So we really need to begin in our micro-arena and work our way outward into our circles of connection. If we create world peace in the process, well, all the better!

This week I enjoyed watching Justices Barrett and Sotomayor online at the Civics Learning Week National Forum, discussing political polarization and civics education. It was reassuring to see them both in calm conversation about what it means to work together in a democracy and pluralistic society. 

There are also new books out that tie in to how we can slow down, be more mindful of social processes and work, and live well in society: namely, Slow Productivity by Cal Newport and Possible: How We Survive (and Thrive) in an Age of Conflict, by ever famous conflict guru William Ury.

At the level of face-to-face conversation, I've been exploring the connection between mindfulness and networking. Jon Kabat Zinn, founder of the stress reduction program Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), defines mindfulness as "paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgementally." In mindfulness, I believe that any conversation should start with the breath, with awareness and paying attention respectfully. Ditch the elevator pitch and learn peoples' names, and go past each minefield one step at a time.