In this Poetry Unbound episode, host Pádraig Ó Tuama explores Joy Harjo's perspective on conflict resolution through her poetry. The discussion delves into the importance of recognizing the holistic context of conflicts, including the land, ancestors, and future generations. Harjo's work emphasizes adopting a humble, justice-oriented approach, active listening, and embracing humility while maintaining fairness.
Ó Tuama highlights creative techniques for navigating conflict constructively, such as leveraging physical movement and transcending instinctual predator-prey dynamics. The episode also explores the role of the natural world as a witness and stakeholder in conflict, calling for actions aligned with timeless cycles that extend beyond human experiences.
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Joy Harjo emphasizes recognizing the land, ancestors, and future generations as stakeholders in conflict resolution. Her poem "Conflict Resolution for Holy Beings" directs us to consult with the natural world and ensure goodwill toward the spirits of the lands, according to Pádraig Ó Tuama. By invoking nature's timeless wisdom, we gain perspective on the lands we inhabit.
Harjo advises avoiding self-aggrandizement and instead "speaking the language of justice." Her work signals the importance of active listening and embracing humility while maintaining a commitment to fairness and understanding.
Ó Tuama highlights creative approaches that promote understanding and relational harmony over confrontation.
He recounts an incident where two individuals resolved workplace tensions by simply taking a walk together and sharing a chocolate bar. The act of walking side-by-side, rather than face-to-face, facilitated new perspectives on their situation.
Ó Tuama argues humans thrive when they move beyond instinctual predator-prey dynamics. Recognizing the inherent dignity of all, even adversaries, and envisioning relational harmony beyond survival instincts can pave the way for compassionate conflict resolution.
Harjo refers to the land as "a being who remembers everything," underscoring its role as witness to history. Consideration for future generations compels accountability in seeking truth that honors our legacy.
Ó Tuama discusses ecosystems' interconnectedness. Harjo acknowledges non-human perspectives like deer, turtle, and crane. Her work reminds us that natural cycles transcend human experiences, calling for our actions to align with these timeless patterns.
1-Page Summary
Joy Harjo's and Pádraig Ó Tuama's insights reflect a profound connection to the land and a justice-oriented approach to resolving conflicts.
Harjo’s work teaches us to acknowledge the greater context in which conflicts arise, which includes not only the present stakeholders but also the land, its ancestors, and future generations.
In Joy Harjo's poem "Conflict Resolution for Holy Beings," there is a strong emphasis on recognizing the importance of the land. The poem begins with the directive to "Recognize whose lands these are on which we stand," inviting us to consult with the deer, turtle, and crane and ensure the spirits of the lands are treated with goodwill. It is suggested that the land itself "remembers everything," according to Pádraig Ó Tuama. This recognition extends to the acknowledgement that our actions in conflict resolution will be answered to future generations.
Harjo's poem suggests seeking out the insights of the natural world as a way to gain perspective on the lands we inhabit. By consulting with animals like the deer, turtle, and crane, we are prompted to consider the timeless wisdom inherent to the natural environment around us.
The poem also encourages a stance of humility and justice when addressing conflict.
Principles and practices of effective conflict resolution
Ó Tuama highlights alternative methods to traditional confrontational dynamics in resolving conflict, advocating for strategies that promote understanding and relational harmony.
Ó Tuama recounts a creative approach to conflict resolution through the simple act of walking together.
He describes an incident where two individuals locked in a long-term workplace conflict were asked to take a walk and share a chocolate bar. The physical activity of walking, being side by side rather than face to face, and the casual nature of sharing something sweet facilitated a better understanding of one another. Upon returning, the parties had developed a new comprehension of each other's viewpoints and a fresh perspective on their situation.
Ó Tuama suggests that the act of walking and not being in a confrontational stance contributed to their new understanding. Walking together provided an opportunity for silence and reflection, physical movements that can help to shift mental orientation and foster alternative pathways to resolution.
Ó Tuama implores a consideration of conflict that transcends the fundamental instincts of animals in the wild.
He reflects on the dynamic of a panther in the wild who waits for it ...
Shifting perspectives and attitudes to navigate conflict constructively
Ó Tuama and Joy Harjo explore how the natural world, its history, and the consideration for future generations play a critical role in conflict resolution.
Ó Tuama and Harjo suggest that the land is not merely a backdrop for human events, but an active witness to history and a holder of memories.
Harjo refers to the land as "a being who remembers everything," conveying the idea that the land is a living entity that carries the weight of historical events. She asserts that by acknowledging the land we stand on, we also acknowledge the history and memories it holds, which asserts its role in conflict resolution as a testament to past events.
Harjo also brings forth the consideration that individuals will have to "answer to your children and their children and theirs." This emphasizes the legacy of our actions and the impact on future generations. The compelling "red shimmer of remembering" invokes accountability, urging us to seek a deeper understanding and truth that honors what we leave behind for those who follow.
Ó Tuama discusses the interconnectedness within ecosystems. Through Joy Harjo's work, we see an acknowledgment of non-human actors in the web of life and understand the importance of respecting their existence within the broader context of conflict resolution.
In her work, Harjoy highlights the wisdom that can be derived from entities such as deer, turtle, and crane, marking th ...
The role of the naturalentity- and future generations in conflict resolution
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