BUILDING COMMUNITY
Creating a Culture of Connection
BY TRISH HALL What is your “worldview”? What do you hold dear? The answers to these questions are both the composite and the creator of your at- titudes, values, stories, and expectations about your world and the world around you. They inform your every thought and action. Your worldview manifests as your ethics, religion, philosophy, and beliefs. We arise from our cultures of origin, so we are a product of that culture, and we have everything necessary to be the producers of new cultures. Humans have been creating cultures since we first walked the earth. Are you a “glass-half-full” person — an optimist that sees the pos - itive in everything, or a “glass-half-empty” pessimist that goes to the darker side, thinking the worst of any situation? Most of us vacillate between the two depending on context. If you had magical powers (which, of course, you do), what culture would you create? Would it be utopian? Would everyone get along without challenges or disagreements? Would it be so peaceful that terminal stasis might set in? Or would it be a world in which citizens are truly free to think independently, to share the breadth of their cre- ativity, to debate respectfully, challenge other’s opinions without fear, collectively focusing on solutions and constructive evolution? Could a world of health, harmony, and unconditional high regard that sup- ports everyone in living their best yet to be, prevail? Thousands of people gathering in small groups are responding to the heart-call to create a world that works. In the interfaith world, we are creating a culture of connection that begins with compassionate curiosity. We are concerned about others’ experiences and encourage everyone to learn with and from one another. Kindness, stemming from mutual respect, is blossoming. Curiosity, which plays a huge role in how we relate to our world, is the strong desire to learn something more, something new. Our will- ingness to reach beyond the culture in which we were raised depends on our internal sense of safety blended with the divine urge to experi- ence the unknown. Our culture of origin instilled acceptable and cus- tomary beliefs and social forms and formulas in us. We unconsciously embraced the material traits of our racial, religious and social groups. This worldview has out-pictured as our everyday existence — our way of life and the people with whom we share our lives. It is how we relate to all creation, our chosen diversions, the places we reside and our
Gentle Dental Care FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY Mercury Free Dentistry since 1982 Board Certified by the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine Our office offers a unique approach combining the best from the natural modalities of homeopathy, Chinese medicine and nutrition, with the latest lifesaving treatment for sleep apnea and snoring. We have been a health oriented practice for over 40 years, offering a variety of quality services including: travels. As years have passed, some have stayed deeply linked to those original perspectives. Most of us have evolved, some more than others. Some people look at the world and see it fractured, fragmented into myriad separate pieces. All they see are differences: different skin col - or, different size, shape, ethnicity, religion … different climates, dif - ferent architecture. Different everything. Theirs is a world of “me and us” versus “other” — constantly contrasting what they believe to be known and safe with all that is different. The leap to an assumption continued on page 48 Photo by Valiant Mode on Unsplash
HIGHER THAN MOST ON YOGA
• Preventive Care & Non-Surgical Alternatives to Gum Disease • TMJ (Jaw Joint) Therapy • Crowns & Bridgework • Invisalign and Zirconia Implants
• Cosmetic Dentistry • Tooth Colored Fillings • General Dentistry • Children’s Dentistry • Snoring and sleep apnea
“A Yoga Induced, Organically Grown, Plant-Based, and Meditative Approach to Mindful Living.” Go to Higherthanmostonyoga.com to learn more Email: Kenny@higherthanmostonyoga.com Call: 571-970-6068
WE LISTEN! Richard D. Fischer, D.D.S., FAGD, MIAOMT Past President International Academy of Oral Medicine & Toxicology, Fellow Academy of General Dentistry EVERGREEN PROFESSIONAL CENTER 4222 Evergreen Lane, Annandale, Virginia 22003 (703) 256-4441 • www.evergreendentalwellness.com
PATHWAYS—Summer 23—47
Made with FlippingBook - Online magazine maker