A Late Summer Walk and a Magical Moment
When my son was very young, we were on a late summer walk and came across a dandelion that had completely gone to seed; it was a giant puffball.
Growing up in Michigan, when we found one of these, we would make a wish and blow off all the seeds to carry our wish out into the universe.
We called dandelions “wishies.”
When I ask my audiences what they call them, someone always calls out, “weeds!”
Different Perspectives on the Same Thing
And they’re right; they’re absolutely right.
But I’m right, too.
Because that’s the way that I look at the world.
We see the world from different points of view.
A “Mama Moment” Turns into a Lesson
I reach down to pluck the wishie and hold it out for Becket. Being a young boy, it’s about getting all the seeds off in one blow, which he does. It’s a beautiful day, and the seeds are floating off on the breeze, and I have a “Mama Moment.” Smiling, I think, “This is magical, he’ll remember this forever.”
(Eye roll. I know, I know.)
I lean down and ask, “What did you wish for?”
He looks up at me kind of quizzically and says, “Uh, Nothing?”
A Surprising Response
Now I’m having a different kind of “Mama Moment,” feeling that I have failed to instill childhood whimsy in this small person.
Still looking confused, he says, “That’s not really the point, Mom. Those plant parachutes are designed for the wind to carry the seeds of this invasive species to fertile soil so it can regenerate.”
Thank you, PBS kids.
The Dandelion Treaty: Honoring Different Views
And he’s right; he’s absolutely right.
But I’m right, too.
Because that’s the way that I look at the world. We see the world from different points of view.
And yet…
I don’t love him any less for being a burgeoning botanist. And he doesn’t love me any less for being a flake.
We look at the world in different ways. And yet… We agree to honor and respect (and love) each other anyway.
This is what we call our Dandelion Treaty.
Applying the Dandelion Treaty to Our Lives
Among your people at this moment, it’s likely there is someone who looks at the world in a completely different way than you.
And yet…
In order to Live Lighter, can you turn weeds into wishies and try to have a Dandelion Treaty with them? Can you let go of fear, lift up into a place of respect, and honor that person simply for the human they are in the world?
Step One: Focus on the Familiar
What you have in common. A shared goal? A love of travel? A family of freaks?
Weeding Out Intolerance with a Dandelion Treaty
In our workplaces, in our families, and out in the broader world, from now until forever, we can help weed out intolerance with a Dandelion Treaty.
Your Turn to Find Common Ground
Give it a try. I’d love to know where you find common ground!
Love and light,
Tami
