Well, this is it.
You know our mantra here at the Intramuralist. We are a respectful dialogue of current events.
That means the following…
- All topics are welcome.
- Disagreement is completely acceptable.
- The only caveat is that all opinion, perspective and conviction must be stated in a way that is respectful toward the one who disagrees with you.
Hence, there is no denigration, insult nor targeted vulgarity.
In order to aid in said standards, there are also aims and objectives we frequently advocate for and sincerely encourage, believing they are good and wise and true. For example…
- Learn what it means to honor other people.
- Figure the faith thing out.
- Listen — and listen especially to a variety of voices.
One of culture’s current challenges is that many of us only listen to the same sort of voices over and over again — and then walk away thinking we have a solid opinion and perspective because we’ve heard the same thing so many times. If the voices all come from like sources, then we’re unknowingly ignorant of the insulated bubble we’ve conveniently prepackaged ourselves in. That bubble then impedes conversation. Why? Because we’re thoroughly convinced we’re right, unaware of our own ignorance.
Such is why we advocate listening to different voices… people from all walks of life — age, ethnicity, education, profession… people with all sorts of experience — easy, hard, silly or serious… people with different stories to share.
One of the reasons we struggle to solve problems is because we equate singular experience — or similar experience heard repeatedly — as truth. The key — and a key that I wish absolutely every legislator, leader and lawyer knew and acknowledged — is that wise and effective solution comes when we listen to the different, when we work to understand alternative points of view, and pragmatically discern how they all fit together, rather than trumping one angle as truth and getting stuck in our own bubble.
Here at the Intramuralist, we practice what we preach.
As has been our creative, annual custom in our near 15 year existence, it is time for our 2023 Guest Writer Series!!
I am so excited, friends!
Over the course of the next several weeks, you will hear from all sorts of people — that variety of voices. You will hear from a former politician, licensed professional counselor and educator. You will hear from working professionals, a stay-at-home mom and at least one still college student.
The topics vary, too, as do their passions. From masking to anxiety to 100 questions with a historian, this talented group has much to discuss!
We learn from one another no doubt.
So while personally I engage in a brief season of intentional rest — a practice that the older I get, I question why I didn’t develop the discipline earlier in life — our 2023 excellent guest writers have a few things to share with you.
Know now that I will not agree with everything they say. They do not speak for me. But these are men and women from all walks of life who are committed to respectful dialogue. Thus, they are people from whom we can learn, grow and be encouraged. Such will always, always trump agreement.
Enjoy, my friends. Fire up to start on Wednesday…
Respectfully… and ciao for now…
AR