Question
How might we use the DIG experience to elevate all voices in our community, particularly those who have not been honored and heard in the past?
Dialogue Participants
Lisa
Ben
Thompson
Introduction
_We are entering into our next experiment. Now that we sense the potential of new meaning emerging through a process of deep listening that inspires new insight, we are going to bring the wiki experiment state-side with Lisa and Ben._ _The three of us will explore how this experience that David and I are having might work if there are three dialogue participants. We are setting up a Wiki Dojo for this next experiment._
Thompson
Sitting in the woods and listening to the footsteps of the deers in the distance.
That was the experience Lisa shared with us, one that emerged as she sought to understand the meaning of shinrin-yoku 
, forest bathing, in a recent DIG she participated in.
I think about that experience – an experience of deep listening.
What has most surprised me about the DIG experience is that it is, more than anything else, about listening. Deep listening, wholehearted listening.
It feels like, through this process, we are learning to listen in a new and powerful way.
_I see you, I hear you, I feel you_. These are the words we use to describe this experience.
Perhaps our aspiration should be not just to elevate voices of some, but for us all to learn – as Lisa did in the woods behind her house – how to sit more quietly and to listen.
Ben
I think the idea of listening deeply is an important one. Sometimes when we use new structures, I'm thinking about talking circles, we assume we have dealt with the issue of power. But, at risk of sounding overly academic, Foucault tells us that power is always already present in all of the ways we might bring people together.
In this case, how do we address issues of power in a DIG so as to elevate voices? Part of it might be getting out of the way but just listening. But this can turn into withdrawal so we must also be on the lookout for this.
I wonder if we have to clear that when we suggest sitting quietly and listening, we are listening to everyone, ourselves included.
Thompson
I am reminded of the words of Robin Wall Kimmerer who writes: “Science polishes the gift of seeing, indigenous traditions work with gifts of listening and language.” source
Perhaps there is wisdom for us to seek as we learn to listen more deeply to each of us as part of an undivided whole, a whole which extends far beyond ourselves. I am intrigued how NOIIE , which has had such a tremendous impact in BC in raising the quality of learning there, integrates 'indigenous ways of knowing' into their guiding intention:
>* Every learner crossing the stage with dignity, purpose and options.
* Every learner leaving our settings more curious than when they arrived.
* All learners gaining an understanding of and respect for Indigenous ways of knowing.
* Through our collective efforts eliminating racism in schools.
>
source
Lisa
NOIIE introduces a concept called the Spiral of Inquiry . It is described as listening to learners in order to reflect on our own practice. The idea is that learning is never complete, like the spiral, and it continuously sparks new questions and new opportunities.
As I sit and think about this I find that I am curious about how to create time in my own world to experience the Spiral of Inquiry. Being still and listening to wanderings of my own mind doesn't happen often, unless I can't sleep.
This leads me down the path of permission, permission to take time away from the "busy" work to do the deep work. We explored this idea a while ago, now I wonder how I can combine the Sprial of Inquiry with doing deep work.
Thompson
I love the concept of 'deep' work, one that feels so different from 'busy' work. The busy work is operational, where our energies are primarily focused on 'control'. Deep work is emergent, focused on 'creating'. One type of work drains our energies, the other replenishes us.
As I reflect back on the guiding intention of this dialogue, I wonder how the DIG experience might elevate not only voices but also spirits by doing 'deep' work – learning that becomes deeply meaningful for everyone involved.
Lisa
During these last two weeks, I have not had much brain space to think, listen, or learn deeply. Everything has been urgent and scattered. As we are coming out of this recent crisis, which I know isn't over yet, I am reflecting on how engaging in deep work truly prepares you for the more intense moments in life.
I am curious how our brains work in crisis and how we can develop resilience in our brain by spending more time in the Deep Blue. There is a connection between being fully present and engaged in experiences, learning from those experiences, and developing strong resiliency. There is resilience that comes from both the positive and negative material and it would seem to position our being in a better space to navigate crisis or tackle a heavy lift.