It has been another long day. I am not always a politically correct person in the way some want. I struggle to say what the dominant group of the moment wants everyone to say. A reason we have polarization in the world is we want others to agree with us sometimes without giving reasons for it to happen. I might agree, but what about those who are not present?
That invisible space between us–
Between our truths
Sacred ground
Till it gently.
That silence you hear–
Almost imperceptible;
It is reverent
Hold it gently.
That space,
That silence,
Emerge magically
No recipe needed.
That space,
That silence,
Easily chased away–
Shhh…
About ivonprefontaine
In keeping with bell hooks and Noam Chomsky, I consider myself a public and dissident intellectual. Part of my work is to move beyond (transcend) institutional dogmas that bind me to defend freedom, raising my voice to be heard on behalf of those who seek equity and justice in all their forms.
I completed my PhD in Philosophy of Leadership Studies at Gonzaga University, Spokane, WA. My dissertation and research was how teachers experience becoming teachers and their role as leaders.
I focus on leading, communicating, and innovating in organizations. This includes mindfuful servant-leadership, World Cafe events, Appreciative Inquiry, and expressing one's self through creativity. I offer retreats, workshops, and presentations that can be tailored to your organzations specific needs.
I published peer reviewed articles about schools as learning organizations, currere as an ethical pursuit, and hope as an essential element of adult eductaion. I published three poems and am currently preparing my poetry to publish as an anthology of poetry.
I present on mindful leadership, servant leadership, schools as learning organizations, how teachers experience becoming teachers, assessement, and critical thinking. I facilitate mindfulness, hospitality retreats. and World Cafe Events using Appreciative Inquiry.
I am writing and researching about various forms of leadership, how teachers inform and form their identity as a particular teacher, schools as learning organizations, hope, nonviolence and its anticipatory relationship with the future, as essential elements to teaching and learning.
Academic publications can be found at Ivon Gile Prefontaine on ResearchGate
ivonprefontaine
Teacher as Transformer 
Being politically correct is overrated. Be real. That will change lives—that and merging together into that silent space.
I agree and after I posted I spoke again about the importance of making sure those we disagree with are present. We want our voice heard and we should respect that for others. It seemed to be heard better this time.
being yourself and speaking out with what you believe is the most important, regardless of what others say or believe as long as you are true to yourself and your beliefs is what makes you the man of character you truly are.
I agree. In fact, it is not whether I agree or not, but I find that we speak about things and people when they are unable to be present. It seems that would be something that needs to stop.
You are correct it is never never okay to speak of others when not around if it is negative or in poor taste. Uplifting others and speaking out for them or at least to stop the talk takes courage but it is morally, ethically the right thing to do.
Great and very relevant post. Thanks!
You are welcome and thank you Tiny. The kind words are appreciated.
Love the way you chose to end this one – such a listening frame of mind. And listening is a great way into finding a voice for all views…
Thank you Melody. We hear more in silence.
At one time in my life I was so ‘right’ about my opinions, and never heard others. Then I learned to listen. I didn’t lose a thing. I learned so much more about others and what makes them hurt inside. I love this poem Ivon.
Thank you Yaz. Perhaps that is the problem, I am looking back and thinking, “I wonder what I could have learned differently?” Deep listening does not slow us down. It invigorates and brings us to a point where the action taken makes sense. I hope we learn that as we get older.
Pure truth and brilliantly stated! Well done. 🙂
Thank you Elizabeth.
As always you inspire
Thank you so much.