“Exploring Ourselves” with Jackie McKinley

Sunday, March 20, 2022

Zoom Online

 

This meeting was a part of an ongoing series with Jackie McKinley, an experienced dialogue facilitator from the UK. This time Jackie guided the session online from Ojai, California, via Zoom. Twenty people in total were in attendance. She began with an introductory talk about what we were attempting to address in the group meetings, focusing on the factor of separation which may be significant when we come together to look at any serious issues. The issue of separation within ourselves and with other individuals is mirrored by the separation happening in the external world at present, in the Ukraine, for example. Following the talk there was a period of silent sitting which was then reflected upon within the group. What is it like to sit in silence, in the “unknown”?

Participants were invited to bring forward any concerns they might be carrying. The first person to speak shared her tendency to hold on to anger and ill feelings towards others. This led to the question, “Why do we hold on to anything?” Another participant inquired why we so often ask the question “Why?” Would not “What?” or “How?” be more useful? The question then arose about the intention of both types of questions. Are all such questions not employing thought and being answered by thought? Is not thought always limited (as Krishnamurti points out)?

As the activity of sharing ideas unfolded, the issue of separation was brought back and looked at in terms of the group process. Are we actually together when we inquire into any issue, or are we mainly concerned about solutions for ourselves to the exclusion of others? What does it mean to “think together” as K speaks of it? Can thinking address this question adequately? And can I listen to another who seems so different from myself? Is there always something “behind” the surface of what is being said, and does that necessarily prevent effective communication? Can listening take place even when conclusions are being formed and shared? There was a sense in the group of the difficulty of exploring such issues in a way that can be clearly understood by all involved. A good deal of time was spent with these questions and it was suggested we might explore them further at our next meeting in two weeks time.

DB