A little understanding or asking "why"

I've noticed something that is causing a lot of issue of late. I believe it is a lack of understanding. I look at many issues from small to large political ones and wonder why there is so much clashing. After having a wonderful almost debate type of conversation with a woman (I don't recall her name) at Pantheacon, it occurred to me that we often forget to ask why.

To use a trivial example- say Sally is pissed off because her coworker ate her banana. On the surface it may seem that Sally overreacted and the coworker was a jerk. But why did they respond that way? Maybe it was the day before payday and that banana was all Sally could afford for breakfast. Maybe the coworker was a diabetic who was getting low on blood sugar and didn't think she would mind. But unless one considers the "why" of their actions it is difficult to understand.

The same concept can be used on bigger more political issues. I've seen people collecting signatures for issues darn near chase people down to press their petitions or get aggressive responses from the people they are trying to discuss things with. Why are the potential signers acting that way? Are the petition people doing something in their presentation that repels them?

Which brings us to why there is such a hard division in the big issues. In this I mean racism, same sex marriage, trans individuals, etc. I suspect that the reason many people respond so negatively is that they don't understand the issue or didn't consider how to respond. Or the presentation needs some help. I've come to realize that often times what we say the issue is isn't necessarily what the issue is or an issue is presented too aggressively. Another example - some may say that we all have the right to marry who we want. Some may say that it is an abomination. What may be the deeper issue is that the idea of same sex marriage is something people may not know how to process this change of the norm and as a society we expect instant results. I am using same sex marriage as an example because over some years now it has changed from a hot button topic to something that is actually becoming accepted. (which I find to be wonderful)

To summarize what I am trying to say is that we all need to try to understand where people are reacting from and give a little acceptance. Some times people are just jerks, but sometimes people just need a little time or information to get used to a new concept. And I believe a little understanding or asking of "why" can go a long way.

Pantheacon 2015 and changes

Pantheacon 2015 was wonderful in so many ways. Seeing Zat and attending the Nisut's talk was wonderful. Making some new friends was also wonderful.

Some highlights:

Friday:
ADF water-working and opening ritual
House Wights class - debating if I want to or should invite wights into my home and life.
Bast Devotional Dance - could not believe the energy in this ritual. Incredible!
Drum Circle 101 - sooooo enjoyable. Actually purchased a frame drum to use and enjoy. This is the first percussion instrument I have owned since the tendinitis in my forearms hit and changed things.

Saturday:
Magic of the Marlinspike - the knot work was sooooo incredibly fun! Met some wonderful ladies that I shared a table with.
Herbalism 101 - Quite educational... now if only I can find that darn handout that I want to use to plan additions to my herb garden.
Drum circle and Bast ritual events - one was rather fun and the other was nice to interact with other Kemetics even though they were of a different trad.

Sunday:
Animal Skulls as Ritual Partners - this was one of the most surprising workshops for me. I got ALOT more out of it than I would ever had expected. And a coyote skull I was meditating with ended up following me home.
It's about time: Kemetic festivals - This one by my Nisut was one that I wished had been earlier in the day or weekend. Fascinating subject and a very appreciated insite on the calendar.

Monday:
ADF ritual - surprisingly enjoyable for too darn early on the last day of con lol.



On Hospitality suites:

My favorite suites this year (in no particular order);
Woven circle - the crafty people hung out here. Wonderful people and weaving wheat was surprisingly fun
OBOD - Super friendly people. Had fun just hanging out there
Pagan Alliance - Another with super friendly people...and good drinks :)
American Magic Umbanda House - One name: Kurt. Lovely person to chat with, enjoyable to experience new drinks with.
Whoever had the massages. Seriously needed that, Thank you!


Part 2 - Changes

I realize how contrary it seems that I spent a bunch of time with ADF people and realized that ADF is not the place for me. I'll be member for another 6ish months so this decision does not need to be a permanent one but I don't think I will end up staying a member. This is nothing against the ADF org or people.