Tillogram

It’s good to talk through cultural stuff. It is hugely complex cos it tends to involve lots of humans and lots of different connections. We can only know so much about other cultures. I hope being open and curious and respectful is enough to move forward for us as a nation. Not talking about it or being real doesn’t seem to help cos too much is unclear or misunderstood.

I tend to dig deep. I don’t completely identify one way or another.

The forms of deep listening I tend towards are probably unique to me, and not a specific cultural practice. Probably a weird combo of spending time with nature, studying it, and finding balance amidst music and silence.

I think I told you I had a friend who was supposedly a first indigenous artist in a tertiary arts institution. He didn’t do many dots, and explained how it was from specific areas. He tried to work creatively with a blend of indigenous and so called “western “ art concepts and content. I knew him in the 1970s and 1980s.

It can be really difficult to tread on “ground” where people feel hurt.

I am weirdly analytical enough to be curious about many differences and similarities between Dutch and German and other languages. There are usually lots. I never had the luxury to be dogmatic or think I knew it all. With a mother whose tongue was not English and who was often silent or absent I probably listened to the vacuum… a lot…. And I don’t mean… the Hoover.

We all get defensive about stuff too.

Glad your physical health is fine, now.

@Till23

@Appleblossom I hope you don’t think I was “having a go” at any specific person about the Aboriginal things, especially not you, who I find to be very open and curious about cultural things. I’ve seen you post about your own cultural ancestry and it’s very interesting. My explanations in my post was more a general thing about people not “listening” or trying to understand others.
I actually like chatting to you because I think you have great cross cultural curiosity and understanding. You generally seem to be an open and curious person.

I do not get deeply offended by these things, but prefer instead to try and educate, which is what I was trying to do in the post, perhaps not well, because of my current state of mind.

I think everyone’s form of deep listening (if they practice this) is shaped by their own experience, even if it starts within a cultural tradition or framework.

Thanks for clarifying @Till23 @I wasn’t sure. Tbh I have begun rechampioning my range of cultural ways of being! I am pretty upset by a visit to my front door this morning. Probably need to step back from the forum.

Oh I'm sorry to hear that @Appleblossom - do you want to chat about it

I understand needing to step away from forums. I just want to say though that you will be missed as you contribute a great deal with your own posts as well as your supportive posts for other people, of which I have been a grateful recipient

Hope you are able to settle ok

@Appleblossom sitting with you my sister 😍, hope everything settles down for you soon xxx you have been a wonderful support for the past 10 years , sending you hugs

hello @Till23 😍

Hi @Shaz51 how are things with you?

Hey @tyme how are you today?

I tried to rest today and didn't go to volunteering. Anyhow I have work tomorrow so hopefully the physical rest will be good for that

hello @Till23

how are you feeling today my awesome friend xx

Hi @Shaz51 I worked today so am physically tired which hopefully is a good sign for a good sleep

Mentally because I was distracted and very busy I did not have time to have negative thoughts, now I am home I will see!

How are you going @Shaz51 I'm always thinking about you and hoping you are coping ok you have a lot happening

Hey @tyme how are you?

I'm a bit better today but I think it's mainly to do with having been very busy at work today.

Hopefully I am making a bit of headway. I asked some questions about the forums to CEO, I think you were tagged in reply. I didn't feel terrible after I posted it, which is a good sign.