“I can see myself in you”

[Rituu B. Nanda]

On 28th Sep 2018,  I facilitated a one-day session on use of SALT and Community life competence process in development and M&E . NILERD -National Institute of Labour Economics Research and Development (An Autonomous Institute under NITI Aayog, Government of India) organises M&E course for foreign professionals every year in Delhi, India. Here is a short summary of the discussion we had on our ‘common humanity’ and what it means in context of our work with people. This is part I of the three series blogs I will write.

I put before the question ‘what makes us human?’ to 27 professionals from 20 countries. Human beings may look different from each other but have same physical parts. Everyone has soul, mind and body, emotions, intelligence, imagination, reasoning and knowledge. We spent some time deliberating on the need to belong and importance of connection and relationships in our life. One participant made a remark “uniqueness is common to all mankind.” Through this conversation we realised that there are certain things, which are universal and we need to keep them in mind in our work with people. 

This deep dive into conversations around relationships and how they are key to a flourishing life reminded me of something I had read “Humans have a need to belong, to connect, to bond. We are biologically wired to seek relationships.” The discussion showed that when we see each other as human beings, we connect at a deeper level. Zamira said that this is  not easy in practice and cited a proverb from her country Tajikistan - Science is easy but to be human is difficult- 

An observation from one participant at the end seemed to have said it all “I can see myself in you.”

Second blog -Appreciative and caring conversation- https://aidscompetence.ning.com/profiles/blogs/appreciative-and-car...

[Phil]

Dear Rituu, 

That is such a beautiful title for the post. All manner of sad and bad things can flow from my inability to see myself in you. But when I do see myself in you, then those sad and bad things become impossible and all sorts of beautiful things become possible. We can choose what we wish to see (or to look for) and our choice will make the difference. That is a fine start to my day. Thank you. 

Phil

[Birgitta Schomaker]

What a great way to build connection, and appreciate diversity, Rituu, by asking that question. I love the answer: "I see myself in you"

27 professionals from 20 countries! What is our shared humanity?

[Dr. E. Mohamed Rafique]

I must agree that CLCP as implied in the blog first enters into a person's heart. And then after reflection, the conviction of the mind occurs.
So, you could say, by being human, CLCP enthrals the heart, and captures the mind!
Win the heart, the mind will follow.

This soft nature of CLCP working through the resonating chord of being humane does not mean it is weak;
Remember, hardly anything is softer than water,
But the force of water can break or wear away the strongest rocks!