A Window is Where the Wall is Absent: Internet for Peace

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Internet for Peace

I enjoy being able to communicate with people all over the world on a one to one basis through this blog, and through email and Facebook and many websites and blogs. There is the chance to speak honestly about things that matter and to see how much we have in common.

12 comments:

Leslie said...: Hi Colleen,
Don't you love it?!...tearing down the boundaries...reflecting this one existence that we all are and our love for connection. Must mirror That which truly is.
XOXO
-Leslie; July 29, 2010 at 1:36:00 PM PDT
Colleen Loehr said...: Hi Leslie,

Reading your comment a line from Ram Dass comes to mind-

"There comes a day when the "other" is no longer other."

Having an in-depth look into the lives of people living thousands of miles away in different cultures reassures me that we have much in common as human beings, and can enjoy our differences rather than feel alienated by them. To spend time looking into someone's blog really gives me a sense of contact with that person- their words, their life experiences, their photos- it is like looking into someone's personal diary and scrapbook. There are so many wonderful interesting people in the world! I've never been one to relish the superficial chit-chat at cocktail parties- but communicating through blogs is deep soul nourishment.

Which reminds me Leslie...it will be a happy day when you press that "Create Blog" button :). You can post all the gleanings from your favorite blogs on to your blog, along with your own reflections, favorite youtube videos, etc. Can't resist giving you this friendly nudge...and if you get cold feet after making the plunge, there is a simple "delete blog" button too, to give you peace of mind that you aren't locked into having a blog forever if you change your mind...

Have a lovely day,
Love,
Colleen; July 29, 2010 at 2:29:00 PM PDT
Anonymous said...: Its always a pleasure learning from your posts and connecting with you Coleen.Many Blessings.; July 30, 2010 at 5:43:00 AM PDT
tom sullivan said...: Hi Colleen, it seems that the "human value" of the internet depends upon which humans are using it (and therefor, what they do with it). As used to be said about computer programming, "garbage in, garbage out."; July 30, 2010 at 8:40:00 AM PDT
Leslie said...: ""There comes a day when the "other" is no longer other." -- That will be a day of endless hallelujas and a bazillion kisses for whoever can stand it :^)
I was always ready to major in anything in college but ended up with cultural anthropology because of this wonderful teacher who taught it by way, not of emphasizing but more of celebrating 'differences' while showing us that everyone was the same.
A blog?! It would be one big mushy site and, honestly, I like that clean look :-O Maybe they're the same. I have too much fun reading all yours...these brilliant writings AND more links...with MORE brilliant writings. AND amazing artwork AND exquisite videos. AND the message.....ohhhhhh the Message.
XOXO
-Leslie; July 30, 2010 at 11:47:00 AM PDT
Colleen Loehr said...: Hi Triza,

The feeling is completely mutual. I appreciate you taking the time to leave a comment, I love to receive comments.

All blessings to you as well,
Colleen; July 30, 2010 at 12:08:00 PM PDT
Colleen Loehr said...: Hi Tom,

I agree that " it seems that the "human value" of the internet depends upon which humans are using it (and therefore, what they do with it). As used to be said about computer programming, "garbage in, garbage out."

Some people may believe they are garbage and behave accordingly. I'm sure there are lots of scams and horrible stuff on the internet, and I'm guess I'm lucky that I haven't run across much of that kind of thing. I have seen lots of deep and sincere communication, and healthy humor and affection and the sharing of wisdom between people.

In my work over the years I've spent time with many people who have committed heinous crimes, people that society might say are "garbage". And yet I have never met a human being who was not worthy of respect.

There is something wondeful about honest communication between human beings, and it is my hope that the net impact of the internet will be positive.

Thanks for visiting and joining the conversation Tom.; July 30, 2010 at 12:21:00 PM PDT
Colleen Loehr said...: Hi Leslie,

I also majored in cultural anthropology in college for a time, and I love both the variety and the commonality among us human beings. I'm glad you put up with my friendly nudge for you start a blog- and I love all the energy you put into reading blogs and leaving comments- so it seems you are following your heart and that reading and engaging in conversation is what's right for you at this time. I wouldn't be surprised if someday you decided to start a blog...and for now I remain grateful for your comments and encouragement.

Have a great day
XOXO
Colleen; July 30, 2010 at 12:30:00 PM PDT
tom sullivan said...: Hey Colleen, I used the "garbage in, garbage out" catch phrase as a short way to characterize the way some people use the net - not the people themselves. However, I was also thinking of "levels of human development" as being a factor in how the net gets used. Also, that phrase symbolized (in my thinking) the impression I get that most people don't get influenced very much by the exchanges they have on-line. It's like the old joke that "you can always tell a Harvard man; you just can't tell him much." Most (not all) people "stick by their guns."

I,too, have had some good exchanges on-line, and also hope for the best re the net. Good as always, to communicate with you.

P.S. Your comment about "garbage" reminded me of a lovely book. Have you read "Novice to Master, An Ongoing Lesson In The Extent Of My Stupidity" by Soko Morinaga? It's a wonderful autobiography by a modern Japanese "Zen Master" with a very warm heart. The title of chapter 4 is "There Is No Trash."; July 30, 2010 at 6:24:00 PM PDT
Colleen Loehr said...: Hi Tom,

Thanks for the clarification, and for the joke about the Harvard man which I had never heard before- but it makes a great point.

Also I appreciate the book recommendation. I had never heard of the book, but I went to Amazon and read a bunch of positive reviews and ordered the book. I'll let you know what I think after I've read it. I've gotten some excellent book recommendations through blogs, like No Self, No Problem by Anam Thubten which I loved. I learned of this book on Fred Lamotte's blogspot yourradiance.

Thanks for your comments Tom, and all the good posts I've enjoyed on your blogs recently.; July 30, 2010 at 7:49:00 PM PDT
Jennifer said...: There is a world of potential in this (as yet, largely unregulated) space. It inspires me too. :-); July 31, 2010 at 8:27:00 AM PDT
Colleen Loehr said...: Hi Jennifer,

Yes- this dynamic energy of pure potential is moving through this new medium of cyber space. Like a water fountain sprays water, so human beings have a natural movement toward expression and communication, and blogs are a great venue for that movement.

I love what you say on your blog about telling our stories, speaking our truth. There is a program (it doesn't have a website yet) called "The Respect Institute", where folks with chronic mental illness do public speaking at various gatherings to tell their life stories. I have listened to probably a dozen Respect Institute speakers, and every time has been a revelation. This project is affiliated with "Respect International", which does have a website (http://respectinternational.org)- another example of positive communication over the internet.

Thanks so much for visiting Jennifer, have a lovely Saturday.; July 31, 2010 at 9:24:00 AM PDT