January 27, 2004
Healthy Aging
State can still be a model for the nation
Inspire. The word means "to breathe life into." For me, inspiration comes in moments where a concept or an individual ignites my thinking and hope is heightened. I am raised up. My view
of what’s ultimately possible becomes as clear as the current reality. I’m able to understand the creative tension between vision and reality, and I choose to actively embrace my
dreams. I’m inspired.
It happened yesterday when I encountered a set of concepts, a group of thoughtful people and a new clarity about the Oregon I want to live in. I had an epiphany, and it came during a series of
structured yet free-flowing discussions where I joined others from Southern Oregon in examining the work of business expert Peter Senge and understanding his passion for building "learning
communities."
It’s a rather strange time for an epiphany. Or maybe it’s not. We are on the brink of a vote that defines the future of this state and, some would say, at the edge of a chasm.
Conversations are spilling over with advocacy but a little light on inquiry. People are not necessarily listening, they’re "reloading." Respect, defined by Senge as "the
practice that shifts the quality of our opposing," is not consistently apparent. Which brings me to my vision.
I’m told it’s a little dangerous to put one’s vision in writing, so I take some risk in sharing mine. It is both simple and complicated. I envision more balance between advocacy
and inquiry in our conversations. I see Oregon as more inquiring. We ask questions, we seek facts. We dig more deeply inside ourselves to understand the issues and others’ ideas about them.
We are more respectful in our conversations.
William Isaacs, the author of "Dialogic Leadership," says, "to respect someone in conversation is to listen for the coherence of their views, even when you find what they are
saying is unacceptable."
I have an 80-year-old friend who is an incredible conversationalist. He suspends certainties when he listens. He accepts that others may see things he misses. He encourages a dialogue that evokes
genuine inquiry. I walk away from conversations with him and I’m renewed. He inspires me to be better than I am.
I’m stretching my capacities as a word merchant in trying to explain the powerful impact of having a conversation with someone who effectively balances advocacy and inquiry. In the spirit of
shared vision, I need the words of others. I’m told the quote that follows is from individuals who are working to positively "position" Oregon and better articulate what it means
to live and work here. When I read it, I’m inspired.
"In Oregon, we love dreamers. …Oregon is a refuge for idealism … where it’s still possible to grow the best hazelnut. Where it’s still possible to turn your idea into a $10
billion dollar company … where it’s still possible to truly enjoy life. Where possibility is still real possibility. And maybe if Oregon keeps questioning … Oregon just might change the
minds of a few, who just might influence a few more, who just might change the world for the better. Why not?"
Sharon Johnson is an assistant professor in family and community development at OSU Extension and a member of the Senior Advisory Council. Reach her at s.johnson@oregonstate.edu.
