Such a great piece Helen. I’ve returned to grad school this fall and my favorite class so far is Perceptions, in which we explore a whole lot of theory about what it really means to see. The class began with writings about the experience of being blind and there was a case study of someone who had their sight restored after decades of blindness. What we learn is that he had to learn to see - he didn’t just open his eyes and know what he was seeing. I thought of this because it describes how he would have to go around an entire object, see it at all angles, take in the different parts, touch it before being able to really “see” it.
Very thoughtful writing. I like how you explain the ability to conceive different perspectives. For myself, I think of it as the ability to be comfortable with ambiguity. I'm not sure if that's an innate trait or a learned skill or, as is often true in life, a combination. Thank you for your work!
Profound words. Your thoughts would be enhanced if all people, of whichever persuasion, took time to listen (well) before jumping to ignorant, or baseless, conclusions simply because of lack of compassion and the desire to understand different perspectives. Not easy, particularly if metaphorical blinkers have been worn for a lifetime.
Thankyou. I appreciate your educated sharing of educated words of wisdom.
Thank you! It really is a life’s work to learn to stay fully open and aware of our own biases. For example it was only after sending this out that I realised how I tend to start with Israel then write about Palestine. I need to shift my own feet a bit and see what it looks like if I make Palestinians that starting point.
Such a great piece Helen. I’ve returned to grad school this fall and my favorite class so far is Perceptions, in which we explore a whole lot of theory about what it really means to see. The class began with writings about the experience of being blind and there was a case study of someone who had their sight restored after decades of blindness. What we learn is that he had to learn to see - he didn’t just open his eyes and know what he was seeing. I thought of this because it describes how he would have to go around an entire object, see it at all angles, take in the different parts, touch it before being able to really “see” it.
Very thoughtful writing. I like how you explain the ability to conceive different perspectives. For myself, I think of it as the ability to be comfortable with ambiguity. I'm not sure if that's an innate trait or a learned skill or, as is often true in life, a combination. Thank you for your work!
Powerful and moving, which is kind of what I had expected. Shalom
Thank you.
Profound words. Your thoughts would be enhanced if all people, of whichever persuasion, took time to listen (well) before jumping to ignorant, or baseless, conclusions simply because of lack of compassion and the desire to understand different perspectives. Not easy, particularly if metaphorical blinkers have been worn for a lifetime.
Thankyou. I appreciate your educated sharing of educated words of wisdom.
Thank you! It really is a life’s work to learn to stay fully open and aware of our own biases. For example it was only after sending this out that I realised how I tend to start with Israel then write about Palestine. I need to shift my own feet a bit and see what it looks like if I make Palestinians that starting point.