Civility does not mean we always agree. It does mean, though,
that we accept each other’s humanity and dignity as a person.

On March 25, 2012, I wrote “Is Civility Part of Your DNA?”. Coincidentally, it was post #96 on this blog. Look at the title above, and you will note today’s post comes 400 weeks later.

During that time, I have done my best to keep the tone of this blog civil. I have not wanted to add to the call-out-culture of shaming, yelling, and political pyrotechnics.

I have written a number of times on this blog about civility. In March of 2012, I stated,

…Nutritious people are walking models of civility.  They touch us in such a wonderful manner.  It would seem that if we listened and respected more there would be less anger and hate in the world.  Call me naïve, but when one person takes an active and non-manipulating concern for another person—and then that behavior is reciprocated—it becomes pretty difficult to start shouting at one another.  Civility does not mean we all agree.  It does mean, though, that we accept each other’s humanity and dignity as a person.

Ask if our world has become more or less civil, and the answer will depend where one stands and what tribe is doing the answering.  (You could ask, has tribalism pushed us further from a civil society? Are we only civil to those within our group. Has loyalty become a prerequisite for civility?)

Video recommendation for the week:

And here is the video, I shared 400 weeks ago (in 2012). These wonderful souls had/have reminders for us. Let’s be thankful for the civility that does surround us—and what we do to practice civility. I am thankful for all the civil people I have had the opportunity to learn from during the past 400 weeks. I am grateful for their civil discourse and compassionate ways.

Homework. Who helps you grow? Whom do you help grow?

1. List the names of (at least) two nutritious people in your life. What do they specifically do that makes them nutritious? Remember a nutritious person is one who is happy to see you, listens to you (really listens), and has no immediate plans for your betterment! They accept you and are civil to you.
2. Take a moment today and write these people a short note of gratitude. Acknowledge their humanity with your note of gratitude for their specific acts of kindness. This is your thanksgiving to them.
3. Time for some introspection. Answer this question: “Am I a nutritious person?” If you are, what do you do that makes you such. (Repeat those actions!) If you are not, what can you do to make those behaviors part of your daily DNA.

 Make it a week of civility, and HTRB has needed.

My latest book, Community as a Safe Place to Land (2019), (print and e-book) is available on Amazon.  More information (including seven free podcast episodes that spotlight the seven core values highlighted in the book) at www.stevepiscitelli.com.

Check out my book Stories about Teaching, Learning, and Resilience: No Need to be an Island (2017). It has been adopted for teaching, learning, and coaching purposes.  I conducted (September 2019) a half-day workshop for a community college’s new faculty onboarding program using the scenarios in this book. Contact me if you and your team are interested in doing the same.  The accompanying videos serve to stimulate community-building conversations at the beginning of a meeting.

My podcasts can be found at The Growth and Resilience Network®.

You will find more about what I do at www.stevepiscitelli.com.

©2019. Steve Piscitelli
The Growth and Resilience Network®