Grace Hospice
IDI® Learning Space
Welcome to Grace’s August IDI® newsletter (within a newsletter)!
Each month we play around with IDI learning— noticing how our personal background + identities shape how we make sense of the world, while getting curious about how other people see the world from the background + identities they’re coming from. (It’s a BothAnd!)
Making Meaning Along the Way
When noticing cultural differences, it’s easy to feel judgement and jump to conclusions. Learning through the lens of our IDI® orientation helps us better understand what may be shaping our view and taking a step forward into self-reflection and awareness.
Lately, I’ve found myself making meaning of signs I’ve encountered along my path. Each one got me to pause (take a pic!) and consider: What might this sign have to teach me about perspective and space for personal growth?
Have you noticed any signs that speak to where you are today?
Here are five signs that sparked an IDI® orientation reflection for me…
Denial: “Caution— Curve Ahead”
In Denial, cultural differences can remain outside our usual field of vision, especially when our environments or relationships have offered limited opportunities to encounter them. Like a blind curve, something may be influencing the path ahead even when we cannot yet see or anticipate it.
Reflection: Whose experiences or perspectives might be outside my current field of vision?
Polarization: “Lane Closed”
In Polarization, cultural differences can become barriers that separate people into “us and them” or “right and wrong.” When our lane feels like the only safe or correct way forward, we may close ourselves off from perspectives that challenge how we understand the world. In reverse polarization, we see the other person or group as being ‘the better lane’, and still judge from a “good vs bad” mindset.
Reflection: When I encounter a perspective that strongly conflicts with my own, what helps me remain open instead of closing the lane?
Minimization: “Caution—AVERAGE Narrow Trail Ahead”
In Minimization, we tend to focus on what people have in common and assume that there is a shared or “average” experience that fits most people. While common ground can help us connect, the trail becomes narrow when meaningful differences in identity, culture, access, power, or experience are overlooked.
Reflection: Where might my focus on treating everyone the same be keeping me from noticing what someone uniquely needs?
Acceptance: “Shared Driveway”
In Acceptance, we recognize that people can share the same workplace, purpose, or path while carrying different cultural patterns, values, and ways of navigating. We become more curious about those differences and better able to understand behavior within its cultural context.
Reflection: What difference have I noticed lately that I could seek to understand more fully—without immediately evaluating or fixing it?
Adaptation: “Newly Constructed Trails”
In Adaptation, new intercultural understanding begins to reshape both our internal perspective and the way we relate to others. Like redirecting old patterns onto a newly created trail, we practice different ways of communicating and responding that allow healthier relationships—and something new within us—to take root.
Reflection: What familiar response or pattern might I redirect to create a healthier path for understanding and connection?
August IDI® Virtual Learning Space
This month Joayne Larson from Sparks of Change will be leading our conversation! We will consider: Why do some behaviors immediately resonate while others rub us the wrong way? During the session we'll explore how our personal and cultural values convert our perceptions and expectations into either judgement or curiosity.
And, we'll learn how to slow that automatic reaction down! We'll use reflection, metaphors and a practical tool to build greater self-awareness and skills for those times when a behavior really rankles.
Thursday, August 13th | 12:00-1:00pm
Zoom Link: https://zoom.us/j/6789700587?pwd=Z0g1T7jbfJ2CvJprJzE7kvfR9uKxtO.1
Interested in digging back into your IDI® learning? Haven’t looked at your IDI® plan since your debrief? This space is for you— come anytime it works!
More Learning Opportunities with BothAnd Collective!
We’re glad to be partnering with Grace Hospice this year! If you’re looking for additional learning opportunities- you can find our current offerings at the top of the menu under Learning Calendar. (Below are a few event links that we’re looking forward to!)
Get to know our amazing Collective Contributors, check out what we’re excited to be growing!
