JB: Give me an example, or two, of how we American citizens can take back the power you point out that we already have. I like what you said very much in principle, but fear it's a lot harder than it sounds.
BK: Some examples involve new, transcendent thinking -- such as Restorative Justice, which I'll explain in a moment -- and other examples are far simpler and are already present, i.e., basic cooperation. Life itself is not a competitive game ("survival of the fittest"), but a matter of profound cooperation: cells joining and forming molecules, and on and on. Life is mostly cooperation and connection. Joining a larger system should mean expanding yourself, not diminishing yourself. The movement for change across the planet is an example of that. People are uniting with one another and in the process they are growing as individuals. Restorative Justice is a way for people to connect and share deep, personal information in safety and confidentiality. It involves sitting in a circle. Everyone gets a chance to talk, everyone listens to the others. No one dominates. It can be used to repair harm caused by a criminal act. It turns justice into a system geared to heal, not to punish. These circles are called peace circles. Peace is a matter of listening, understanding and connecting -- not a matter of domination and control.
JB: Sounds good. Listening - really listening - has been such an underutilized muscle. Anything you'd like to add before we wrap up this one, Bob?
BK: I believe we're at a global tipping point, a moment of change: a consciousness shift. I'm in awe at what is happening. There's room for all of us in this movement, which is about restoring our connection to one another and to Planet Earth.
JB: I enjoyed chatting with you again, Bob. You give me hope. That's not a small thing these days. Thanks so much!
BK: Thanks, Joan! Once again, my pleasure. Your questions always bring out the best in me.
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Bob's website
Bob's book: Courage Grows Strong at the Wound (Xenos Press)
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Some of my prior interviews with Bob:
Alone but Together: Italians Singing Solos on Balconies and More 3.19.2020
Fair Fight? Bernie vs. The 'Highly Paid Bouncers' of the Corporate Media 2.28.2020
Bob Koehler On Pittsburgh, The Other, and Our Killer Culture
11.5.18
Parkland-Inspired Marchers Target NRA and Congress 4.4.18
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