I Know We’re All Welcome at the Table

Description

Have you ever wondered how it’s possible to love your enemies when you’d rather not even be in the same room with them, much less eating at the same table?

Once you have purchased this course, you can access it here. You can also visit this page to see a list of the course modules and units.

This instructor-involved course will help you tackle the things that hold you back.  It isn’t about simply tolerating those who are different or hold opposing views; it delves into the deeper work of understanding, respecting, and even cherishing their stories. Drawing from the Christian tradition, while also incorporating wisdom from other faith traditions and secular spiritual insights, the course offers a nuanced approach to bridging divides.

In today’s increasingly polarized world, the ability to engage with those who challenge our beliefs and values is more critical than ever. This course acknowledges the very real challenges involved in loving one’s enemies, recognizing the instinctive human tendency towards self-preservation, defensiveness, and judgment. It doesn’t shy away from the emotional struggles that arise when confronted with opposing viewpoints, but offers tools and practices to navigate these challenges with greater awareness and compassion.

The course emphasizes that loving one’s enemies is not about condoning harmful behavior or compromising one’s values. Rather, it’s about cultivating an inner posture of openness, curiosity, and respect, even amidst disagreement. It encourages participants to move beyond simplistic “us vs. them” thinking and to recognize the shared humanity that connects us all.

Throughout the course, participants will explore six key practices: three focused on “blessing them” (our enemies or those with whom we struggle) and three focused on “changing me” (our own inner landscape). The “blessing them” practices include:

• Praying for their well-being: This involves shifting from praying for others to change to praying for their safety, health, and happiness, free from any personal agenda.
• Being willing to feel a little of their pain: This explores the power of empathy and the importance of recognizing the shared human experience of suffering.
• Cherishing their story: This focuses on developing deep listening skills and cultivating a genuine interest in understanding another person’s perspective, even when it differs drastically from our own.

The “changing me” practices delve into the inner work required for genuine transformation and peace-making:

• Being willing to be vulnerable: This examines the role of defensiveness in perpetuating conflict and explores the courage required to open oneself to connection and understanding.
• Refusing to diminish another person: This addresses the harmful practice of reducing individuals to stereotypes or dismissing their worth and value.
• Talking from feelings instead of just thoughts: This emphasizes the importance of expressing emotions authentically and connecting with others on a deeper, more human level.

The course is designed to be engaging, empowering, and even playful, using a conversational and accessible style. Plus, you will be guided each step of the way by your instructor who will be available to assist you. It includes self-reflection exercises, practical tools, and inspiring stories to illustrate these transformative concepts. While the subject matter is serious, the tone is relaxed, making the material approachable and easy to understand. Ultimately, this course invites participants on a journey of personal growth, offering a pathway toward greater understanding, connection, and peace, both within themselves and in their interactions with others.

Once you have registered, your course link is: I Know We’re All Welcome at the Table