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Stories of Reconciliation

Uncover, Let Go, Release

Doc says to say the phrase just like this before you begin writing or even thinking about Stories of Reconciliation. He says it helps prepare the mind for the exercise. Try it, and you decide.

What's that? What's a Story of Reconciliation you say?

Hmmm...that's a good one. Let me see here...

Imagine the worst possible scenerio ever...the end of the world, a giant asteroid is going to hit...atomic mayhem...oh, I know...it's already happening now for some...oceanographers, sea life lovers, petroleum engineers and just about any one else closely related to the ongoing oil spill in the gulf.

So here's what you do with this. First you say, don't worry, there's a solution here...I just need to put it out there...the intent...the question...this discussion...and the solution will come in due time.

That's it? No, not quite. You see you must now begin to write. Write about the problem...think about it in your head...what's going on there? What's the problem?

What? Not enough information? Tough. That's part of the exercise. Start from scratch if you have to. That's the point. For the hardest problems, whatever their origin, you never have enough information. That's when you have to get especially creative. Use your imagination! That's part of the exercise too. To stretch your imagination. You can blend it with science later.

Now for instance. The gulf oil spill. I for one don't like the fact that it's happening. Do I have a solution? No. I have little clue as what to do. Should I just sit around and complain about it. Beyond venting, that would do nothing. Speaking of venting, maybe they could drill a sister hole or two into the same well as the dysfunctional one. Maybe this would lessen the pressure feeding the broken line and allow them to get a better handle on it.

Will this work? I have little idea since I'm not a professional engineer. But the point is, whether my idea is feasible or not, it opens the discussion, it sets at least one reference for consideration. It's at least a step towards a solution.

Now what's your idea? Don't be shy. Maybe it involves petro-eating bacteria. Ya know that's not such a crazy idea. There are creatures that live at mid-ocean ridges that live in the most extreme conditions. These creatures are calledextremophiles, which means they love extreme environments. Now those guys might provide us with a hint at the solution if not the solution itself. What do you think?

What else? Alien intervention? Why not? Wouldn't hurt to send out some cosmic vibes, radio signals, prayers, whatever...you never know what's possible, who might be listening and what they might be capable off. Don't sell alien races short. This universe after all was already around for at least 8 billion years before Earth was even made. So who knows what's possible there.

Ok, so what's your story? How does your story solve the gulf oil spill? Maybe if we all put our heads together we can solve this one. You know if two heads are better than one, how about a few billion heads. Now that's SYNERGY!

Crazy? How do you think your brain works? It's billions of cells working together (ie, communicating information) to solve problems and make things happen.

So that's the basic idea behind Stories of Reconciliation. Let's review.

1. Stories of Reconciliation involve difficult, even seemingly unsolvable problems. The problems can be of a personal nature or involve societal issues. The problems may involve people, things you want to figure out, or whatever difficulties you might want to resolve.

2. In solving the problem you can do anything you want, even things that might seem impossible to solve the problem, except for one thing, and that is...

3. Your solution cannot involve harming another. In Stories of Reconciliation, everyone must have a happy ending.

4. The point is to stretch your imagination, make you think in terms of win-win dynamics, release ideas to others so that the power of synergy may take effect.

Now here's another example. It's short but can be difficult. Imagine someone you don't get along with because you disagree on some very fundamental issue. Now imagine a solution where you both are right, or you both get what you want. Again, I'm talking your worst enemy here. So part of your initial challenge may simply involve allowing happiness to come to someone you'd rather see hurt, or even dead.

Now go ahead, give it a try! And oh yes, don't forget your extra-credit assignment!

Ding.