Morgan: Communication is an inside job. Are you ready to do your part to bridge the gap?

Have you ever wished that your husband, child, sister, neighbor or co-worker would just change the way they think or change what they do because then you would be able to communicate with them?

Do you avoid people who think differently than you? Are you emotionally “triggered” when someone says, “I choose not to vax,” or “masks save lives?”

Some basic premises in our world today appear to be up for debate and are very contentious. Here’s one: Is there such a thing as “the science?” Is science settled? Can it ever be?

Here’s another: What is “misinformation’‘ and who decides? How does this relate to free speech?

And here are a few more: Should we mandate behaviors for the benefit of the greater good? Are we always free to test hypotheses as well as question the mainstream narrative? Are there areas of expertise which require individuals to defer to those with greater knowledge, such as the CDC and FDA when it comes to making personal decisions?

No wonder we’re stressed when it comes to communication! But something can be done, if we consider the idea that communication is an inside job. In other words — we personally can do something about it, without depending solely on the behavior of others. But it appears to require a deep commitment to one’s inner growth and personal development.

Penn State President Eric Barron in a recent address to the faculty senate spoke to the issue of the growing divide in our country likely based upon some of the above differences in opinion. He asked what role universities might play in helping to foster a climate that tolerates differences and encourages communication where a consensus can be reached, which is necessary for a functioning democracy.

It’s a good train of thought, this notion of communication climate. And begs the question, what might each one do to bridge the gap in communication? Can we simply vote the right person into office who will “fix” this? Or is it our responsibility, the right thing to do, to narrow the divide on a personal and local level?

Who wants to do this? It’s damn uncomfortable! It takes tools, skills and practice, good intent and time. A lot of time and effort.

Who’s in?

Three Dots Downtown recently funded “Project Changing Places — stepping into another’s shoes to bridge the communication gap during the time of the pandemic.” This project is looking for volunteers to take a 6-week course in communication to learn skills that can help them to not only “be in the same room” with someone who thinks differently, but also to actually hear them out — without argument, or debate.

Here are the theories and practices that will be explored:

● Well-being check-in — how “ready” am I to communicate?

● Human mapping — who am I, and why am I here?

● The Onion Theory of intimacy — finding a gradual and safe way to go below the surface

● Non-violent communication — learning how to express needs and wants to another without shame or blame.

● RAIN — meditation practice that teaches us to understand our “triggers” in a way that is compassionate toward ourselves, and the other person.

In a recent commentary in the Centre Daily Times, Charles Dumas, professor emeritus from Penn State, spoke about the power of art to allow people to see the truth in another’s experience. He said, “If we cannot see any ‘good’ in those we dislike, we cannot respect their humanity.”

Project Changing Places uses theater to do just that. After classes in communication, participants learn the art of “becoming another person.” Acting is stepping into another’s shoes in order to present that person, honestly, and faithfully. This can only be done by willfully withholding judgment.

The Centre County Parks and Rec winter catalog of classes and workshops provides a way for people to sign up for Project Changing Places for free or a nominal fee. And, to get a trial-run of these workshops, before making a commitment to the project, you can sign up for that by making a request to the email below.

There could be many reasons for participating in Project Changing Places, but besides the challenge, it promises to be fun! Human interaction is what we are made for! Relationships are one of the keys to happiness. This could be a game changer! For you, your community and those you love and those you could love ... if. Just remember, even though it takes two — communication is an inside job.