The Beautiful Dialogue

In Brazil, they call soccer “The Beautiful Game,” because they’ve honed a practice that is marvelous to watch, and even better to play. I’ve had moments in conversation with people who think my ideas are nuts - but love me all the same - where I’ve felt and witnessed a similar beauty.

To hold vociferous differences and profound affection. To “sit with discomfort,” until that changes into something else. To follow fresh questions about a perspective you don’t hold, but are better understanding. And to be overflowing with curiosity.

That’s been my experience in many occasions - all the way back to my sexuality dialogues with a small group of diverse friends, to liberal-conservative dialogue work with many groups over the years. A fool’s errand?

Maybe. But tons of fun.

I promise from experience that even when you have strong disagreements about questions that matter, you don’t have to stay in a place of anger.

That hurts. So, don’t do it! Try something else instead. That’s a theme of a lot of what I’ve written - and what will continue to be featured here.