Linda's Place

I found this information on the Internet.  What is the difference between dialogue and debate? Dialogue is collaborative: multiple sides work toward shared understanding. Debate is oppositional: two opposing sides try to prove each other wrong. In dialogue, one listens to understand, to make meaning, and to find common ground. In debate, one listens to find flaws, to spot differences, and to counter arguments. Dialogue enlarges and possibly changes a participant’s point of view. Debate defends assumptions as truth. Dialogue creates an open-minded attitude: an openness to being wrong and an openness to change. Debate creates a close-minded attitude, a determination to be right. In dialogue, one submits one’s best thinking, expecting that other people’s reflections will help improve it rather than threaten it. In debate, one submits one’s best thinking and defends it against challenge to...

Building Human Bridges! An Ecological Farming  &  Art Cultural Exchange Project in Africa! Harlem Solar Chefs & Artists! In 2013 Harlem Solar Chefs, we had two solar cooking demonstrations late September, and on October 2nd. Arline Lederman from Solar Cookers International came to the Carrie McCracken community garden in Harlem and gave a presentation. We bought one of the fold up cookers and the following Wednesday, we did a presentation on a rooftop in Harlem. We created a display using cardboard. We started the Harlem Solar Cooking Chefs and Artist. I am excited about solar cooking and we are studying, learning so that we can do a presentation on our next trip to Ghana.  Our goal in using solar cooking is to demonstrate solar technology on a very basic level, that can be understood by children and adults in Africa and in Harlem. This is empowering. Solar Cooking - Carrie McCracken Garden in Harlem Harl...

Martin Luther King Speaks of Socrates in the Birmingham Jail! "But I must confess that I am not afraid of the word “tension.”  I have earnestly opposed violent tension, but there is a type of constructive,  nonviolent tension which is necessary for growth.  Just as Socrates felt that it was necessary  to create a tension in the mind so that individuals  could rise from the bondage of myths  and half-truths to the unfettered realm of creative analysis and objective appraisal,  we must see the need for nonviolent gadflies  to create the kind of tension in society  that will help men rise from the dark depths of prejudice  and racism to the majestic heights of understanding and brotherhood. " Healthy Dialogues - Buildings Healthy Communities! What started me on this quest was a training course about Customer Service. The course dealt with some concepts of self help, ‘Know they self,’ how to com...

Simon Parkesui Ogiek Masai from Kenya  visit to Beekeeping projects on Randall Island, NYC. Simon Parkesui and Jay Smith & Joseph Daniel Wilson Community Garden in Harlem, NYC, December 2014   The Ogiek Indigenous Masai! They Inhabit the Mau Forest of Kenya !   The Ogiek Indigenous People of Kenya are a very unique ethnic group. They have struggled for centuries. But still they persist. They persist and sustain in spite of colonialism, forest evictions, etc.     They  have won some victories recently. For the first time      in history, an indigenous people in Africa have argued their case at the   African Court on Human and Peoples Rights.   The Ogiek are one of Africa’s last hunter-gather peoples. Their homeland is the Mau forest in Kenya. In the forest they collect wild fruits and nuts, hunt, and harvest honey without overstressing these valuable resources. They do not take from...

Chinese culture is a wealth of knowledge that teaches us how to improve our own health. Qigong, Tai Chi, and meditation are another form of medicine.  I am enjoying my morning exercises, and feel the benefits .  Qigong, Tai Chi and the Chinese Healing Arts teach us the many ways that we can participate and be responsible for our own WELL BEING! Ajahn Suthep is my favorite.  I love the way he teachings Qi Gong. Enjoy.     The Crane is so beautiful.    I love this one! Beautiful Movements!    I am hooked these movements. Movements with meaning. What a wonderful tradition. I really like seeing the Monks do these wonderful forms.     Try it!