August 18th, 2006: Hot Topics continue

Though relatively short, this was an intense day. We were given two big activities to learn about ourselves. First, we were presented with activities to talk about our synchronicity (how well we work together and how much time and personal style plays a factor). We were initially asked to close our eyes and attempt to count out loud, one at a time, as high as we can as a group without saying a number twice or repeating it. We were only able to get to 12. We were told that over time, this number will increase. I certainly hope so.

Next, we were presented with an activity to determine our personality styles in how we value time. We were asked to line up outside and then, depending on how we would answer time-related questions, we would either step to the right…or take a step to the left. Those on one the right hand side were monochromic, or people who value efficiency and completing tasks. Those on the left hand side were polychromic, or those who value time with people and getting multiple projects done. I was basically in the middle, just a bit to the right. This seems accurate. I value getting things done, on time if possible, but in my field I work with and for people. People ARE my job. So if I’m not focusing on my interaction with people (and maybe letting a few things slide here and there as far as scheduling goes), then the paperwork and appointments are pointless.

Again, we were asked to dive into hot topics. We held three discussion groups, though we could only participate in two due to timing. I chose to engage in the discussions on War and Abortion. This was a good challenge for me. Often times I find that I avoid such conversations as I feel that I shouldn’t have a stance on these things. I’m generally so neutral….a peace maker. I was eager to see where my strongest thoughts and opinions would lie.

Lord knows how this happened, but I found myself in an odd situation where I was defending our current president, “W”. Many of the non-US citizens were bashing his thick-headedness and questioned why he would press forward with a war that his comrades in the UN, in addition to the public he serves, greatly disagrees with. I reasoned that leaders do need to take into consideration the opinions of others. However, good leaders make decisions for “the greater good” and, right or wrong, will follow through on those decisions. Otherwise the leader will be viewed as indecisive, weak, and undeserving of respect. I believe this is why John Kerry lost the last election, unfortunately.

The discussion on Abortion was, as expected, intense. Being a group of mostly women, the general perspective leaned towards pro-choice. However, there were some “devil’s advocates” and a few pro-lifers who put their two cents in. Personally, I’m a pro-choice guy. It isn’t my body, so I don’t believe that I have a say. If I were a woman, I believe that I would find this an amazing existential dilemma. When does life begin? To be spiritual, when does a baby receive its soul? Is abortion killing, or mercy. My feelings waver on these things. Though, as I did point out to the group, a child learns quickly whether he or she was wanted or not. Those who know they are unwanted often lead MISERABLE lives. I’ve seen these children in therapy. Depression, suicidality, personality disorders (including sociopathology and antisocial personalities) run rampant with this population. Why would you want to pre-dispose a child to this?

Some tears were certainly shed by members of the cast, but I believe we survived these conversations. Tonight I attended dinner with extended members of the Spellman family. They really are a wonderful crew. They were all SOOOO interested in UWP and its mission.

Tonight, I played monopoly with the boys until about 10:30. I wanted nothing more than sleep after 9pm, but I realized that with all our late nights, I hadn’t really had time to spend with them. It was worth it. I could barely focus my eyes on the numbers in front of me, and I couldn’t match the locations on the boards with their “deeds”, but that was okay. We all had great laughs. It would have been sad to miss out on this bonding opportunity, just for sleep. I can do that in December J