Prize Recognized Obama's Strengths

From The Pilot: October 16, 2009
 

The conversation about President Obama winning the Nobel Peace Prize has omitted an important consideration -- presence. Much of what I read is that he hasn't done anything to merit such recognition. I disagree.
Obama has opened the door to worldwide ­dialogue. Conscious presence includes listening, respecting, clarifying, understanding, experiencing the others' path without relinquishing our own position -- opening our hand to those willing to unclench their fist.
Conscious presence seeks common ground rather than stubbornly defending our own ­position. It's not an accommodation or a giving up of our self, thoughts or beliefs.

What we think and believe, if it includes respect for the other side, grants us the capacity to hear, be present, understand and respond without compromising our own position. Out of mutual respect comes a direction -- not so much a compromise but a way to work together -- a new place that leads us beyond bias, a place where disagreements are held in creative tension with agreements.
We stop demanding, defending and do more listening and clarifying. This respectful process moves adversaries from restrictive defensiveness to constructive openness. It's a scary proposition because it feels like we're compromising and losing control.
Yes, anger, frustration and exasperation may be part of the process, but in the end, presence helps us achieve balance and respect.
In my opinion it takes incredible strength to enter into dialogue with those who see reality differently than we do. Of course, there are those who laugh at this position and see it as naive.
Extremists would see it as an opportunity for conquest. We don't fight or argue with them. We seek common ground with those who want respect and peace.
The Nobel Committee recognized Obama for bringing this presence to world dialogue.
Charles Griffin
Seven Lakes