There are a number of tools that I have found useful in assisting us in broadening our view, and three of these resources are outlined here.
Broadening Perspectives
The Conflict Resolution Network, in outlining this skill, uses the metaphor of climbing a mountain, to illustrate the need to see a problem from a range of viewing points, other points of view and wider perspectives. They also talk about:
- becoming an observer, not just a participant
- respecting and valuing differences in people and their viewpoints
- looking at things in context
- using a longer time-frame
- identifying what you can and cannot change
Some basic questions to ask include:
- Am I seeing the whole picture, not just my point of view?
- What are the effects of this beyond the immediate issue (e.g. on other people or groups)?
- Where might this lead in the future?
http://www.crnhq.org/content.aspx?file=66138|45515x
A more detailed lesson plan on Broadening our Perspectives can be found here:
http://www.crnhq.org/files/66138/files/CR%2012%20Skills%20TM/PDFs/Q%2012.%20Broadening%20Perspectives%202nd%20Ed.pdf
The Parable of the Six Blind Men and the Elephant
Basically this story illustrates the value of putting different perspectives together to gain a more complete picture (of an elephant) rather than just seeing one part of it (e.g a leg, the trunk, a tusk, an ear, the tail or a side). The other message from this story is that all viewpoints were correct (just limited), but the men began to argue that they were right and others were wrong, even although they were all right.
The full story can be found here:
Or a YouTube version can be accessed here:
The Helicopter View
On the website getselfhelp.co.uk it is pointed out that sometimes we can be so close to something distressing that it is difficult to stand back from what is happening. At these times it may be helpful to zoom out our view and see the bigger picture i.e the Helicopter View. The higher the Helicopter flies, the bigger the picture and the less we are involved with the detail at ground level. Thus we can begin to see things from a broader view.
A worksheet on the Helicopter View can be found here:
Something to think about: When we numb darkness, we numb the light. (Brene Brown)
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