President Obama used the phrase “core value of inclusion”. He said that a core value of inclusion was necessary for the President to have. I wondered what that looked like and felt like. I had never before considered inclusion as a core value.
What is the highest god for all?
When a group of people gathers to find an “inclusive” solution, it hopefully begins to seek a unified choice that will be for the highest good for all. That’s a pretty lofty place to begin any negotiation or search for a solution.
When I add “inclusion” to the process that is looking for the highest good, that means I need to really, really listen to what people are saying and to what they’re not saying.
Very often we have fears and outdated beliefs that are not even in our consciousness. We also need to question and examine the true reason for our own responses to each solution, particularly when our response is negative.
Groups have to compromise
The broader the group diversity, the wider the compromise must be. And no one, absolutely no one, will get everything they want. The necessity to compromise can be a very difficult mindset to take into a group endeavor.
What does inclusion feel like?
Inclusion means I have to move away from my own personal needs and look for a solution that’ll meet the needs of the majority of people in the group. Now, I don’t have to stay in the group, I am certainly free to go elsewhere, but inevitably we all find ourselves in a group where the final compromised decision will impact us in some way. Be aware that the compromised solution will be as close to agreement as the involved group can become.
Inclusion can feel like listening to others. It can feel like deep self-awareness — understanding what you need and want and prioritizing that so you know what you can release in the presence of inclusion and compromise. Inclusion will include thoughtful exploration of the possible solutions to the purpose of your group. Some for you. Some for me. Some for us.
What does inclusion look like?
If we’re lucky, inclusion looks like people listening to each other and trying hard to understand the other person’s point of view. Inclusion means we’ll need to change our mind, soften our stance and broaden our viewpoint.
I’ve never thought about having a core value of inclusion before. I’m afraid I’m the one who goes off by herself and hangs out with only like-minded people.
Community means the collective
“Community” means people who have something in common. It could be your city, your state, your neighborhood. When I’m hoping to formulate rules and regulations and support systems for my own community, I’ll have to compromise. There are many interconnected factors I may not even be aware of. Current finances, people-power, long-term impact. So many elements are impacted in any decision and must be considered.
I’ll have to look for the highest good, the best choices in the present moment and I’ll have to work to be aware of a core value of inclusion.
A national group has broader responsibilities than a city group. A residents association has a smaller set of responsibilities than the city. Each group will have a different set of problems to address but their overall purpose needs to be inclusive — taking into consideration the needs of everyone and then finding the choices that address the most needs and are focused on an over-reaching goal that will benefit the most people.
What does a core value of inclusion look like and feel like to you? Can you consciously put it to work in your life?
To Sing a Deeper Song consider:
I Am You
We Are Part of a Larger Spiritual Order
You Are All-That-Is
35—How to Hold the Space for Change.
23 – What Are the Truths You Live By?
