Cross-cultural communication, or connecting across our constructed in-group/out-group lines, can bring us together… or tear us apart. Our aspirations to work across lines of diversity and difference in our movements for systems change often go astray for lack of authentic connection, and as a result of distress in the face of predictable conflicts.
Here is opportunity for rich practice: how we speak, the views we bring, the words we choose, and how much we say have deep implications for fragmentation or true meeting. Likewise, how we listen, the presence of flexibility, patience, curiosity or their absence, these too dramatically shape the conditions for our collaboration. Misunderstandings and even conflict can reveal our unconscious views, habits, and needs. When regarded in the frame of practice – of transforming reactivity to response-ability – their transformation holds the potential for so much more than accomplishing the task at hand.
This conversation between Rhonda Magee and Kristin Barker explored challenges and opportunities for building true Sangha as we work together for environmental justice.
This exploration took place on February 25, 2024. You can find the recording of this event below.
An internationally-sought-after mindfulness teacher and keynote speaker, and a thought and practice innovator of mindfulness-based social justice principles, concepts and practices, Rhonda V. Magee, M.A., J.D., is Professor of Law and Director of the Center for Contemplative Law and Ethics at the University of San Francisco. The author and teacher of The Inner Work of Racial Justice: Healing Ourselves and Transforming Our Communities Through Mindfulness, Rhonda’s work explores the inner-to-outer practices that support us in meeting and transforming all forms of suffering and injustice. To learn more visit RhondaVMagee.com.
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One Earth Sangha and our featured speakers offer these explorations on a donation basis, with no required registration fee. We invite you to participate in the tradition of offering dana, or generosity. Your support makes these gatherings possible, and any amount offered is greatly appreciated.
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Recording
Inquiry for Group Discussion
What is your sense of the a) promise and b) perils of Dharma in this space of cross-cultural communication?
Additional Resources
- Check out Rhonda Magee’s book The Inner Work of Racial Justice: Healing Ourselves and Transforming Our Communities Through Mindfulness.
- During the gathering, Rhonda shared about music as part of a deep Dharma we can lean into, especially when words, habits, and patterns get in the way. Here’s a song she shared: Bridge Over Troubled Water.
- You can find more of Rhonda’s offerings and subscribe to updates on her website.
