An opportunity for solidarity and self-reflection

March 22 / 2020

AN OPPORTUNITY FOR SOLIDARITY AND SELF-REFLECTION ReD – Embrace dialogue

For this time of uncertainty, we in Embrace Dialogue offer our principles of honesty, generosity, respect, solidarity, self-criticism and co-responsibility. We commit to these values in our work promoting dialogue for peace-building, and also in contemplating how we connect with the world around us. These principles suggest insight as to how we can all navigate the difficult moments ahead, and perhaps come out the other side as more conscious global communities.

We all have worries about the future. Enormous burden has been placed on the health systems caring for patients and the frontline workers keeping us safe. Those most vulnerable in our societies need our solidarity more than ever; our everyday actions combine to protect or endanger their lives. Humanity is a collective. Dialogue is essential, as only by looking after each other can we do our part in delaying the peak of COVID-19 cases and reducing death rates.

We have learned in our peace-building work that we frequently emerge out of challenges stronger, wiser and more unified. We encourage everyone to take this experience as an opportunity. It is a chance to be kinder to ourselves and others. It is a moment of self-reflection, to get closer, become more grounded and connected with ourselves. To think about who we are, and how to connect with the environment around us; how interdependent we all are in our planetary society; and how fragile we are, within the unfolding forces of nature.

It is also an opportunity to think about how to move forward and imagine a better world after this crisis. We invite you to embrace dialogue, to build a mindful present that will pave the way to a different future, reinscribing the wrongdoings of the past, and forging a more just and equal society.