Lines and Boundaries

Any time I look at a map or globe, one of the things that jumps out at me most quickly are all the borders; all the lines separating one parcel of land from another. Our planet is divided into so many countries, cities, townships, neighborhoods, etc. One piece of earth ends and another begins immediately. There seems to be no gray zone any where on Earth. Everything seems to be spoken for. It is amazing that as big as our world is, there are no free zones. With this reality comes another: each parcel or section is different from the one to which it is attached or those that surround it. These differences, of course, reflect the cultures, policies and histories of those that either own or are responsible for each particular parcel.

This accents the multitude of differences that permeate our planet. Unfortunately, differences of any magnitude can and do create tension that left unaddressed can lead to hard feelings and, ultimately, hostile action between those on each side of the lines or borders. Examples of hostility range from two neighbors not speaking to each other to two or more nations going to war. None of these scenarios are good. Given the reality of our many lines and boundaries, the question then becomes: what can be done to ensure potential hostility is kept to a minimum? This is where effective communication comes into play.

When executed with respect, tranparency and purpose, communication is the best bridge building mechanism we have. It does not erase boundaries as much as it transcends them. As a tool, communication can help people identify commonalities and generate greater respect of issues and perspectives in which there may be differences. It involves talking with and not at and creating various channels in which interaction can occur. Further, effective communication helps ensure this kind of positive interactivity is ongoing. Lines and boundaries may be seeds for negative behavior, but with good-faith communication they do not have to be.