In a truly CMMish spirit, we recognize how each of us has encountered CMM in different contexts and made our own meaning around both the theory and practice. So, what does that look like for you? Please use this thread to share your embodied experience of CMM and what it means to you.
As theories often come to me in synchronistic ways, I discovered CMM while researching and synthesizing different approaches to conflict resolution that are both inclusive and pragmatic. I developed my own theory through extensive research and lived experience, which eventually led me to your work. I'm excited to learn more about CMM. As the founder of the Compassion Collective, I believe our work intersects nicely.
I first encountered CMM in my Communication Theory class at Ball State University in the spring of 2020. Initially, the piece of the theory that struck me was the idea that I could make my own meaning. I had not yet encountered any descriptions of social construction using this language and it spoke to me. Having grown up in a space where meaning wasn't questioned- things were right and wrong, good and bad simply because they were- this idea felt incredibly empowering. Also, as someone who was always looking to find what was "right," "good," or objectively "true," the idea of pluralistic truths (or many stories coexisting at once) freed me from searching for these things and re-oriented me toward creating "meaningful," "mindful," "collaborative," "dialogic" spaces instead. I now consider myself a CMM evangelist and hope to share CMM with whoever will listen :) It continues to be a lens that I see everything in my life through and I am grateful to be steeped in this theory every day!
As theories often come to me in synchronistic ways, I discovered CMM while researching and synthesizing different approaches to conflict resolution that are both inclusive and pragmatic. I developed my own theory through extensive research and lived experience, which eventually led me to your work. I'm excited to learn more about CMM. As the founder of the Compassion Collective, I believe our work intersects nicely.
I first encountered CMM in my Communication Theory class at Ball State University in the spring of 2020. Initially, the piece of the theory that struck me was the idea that I could make my own meaning. I had not yet encountered any descriptions of social construction using this language and it spoke to me. Having grown up in a space where meaning wasn't questioned- things were right and wrong, good and bad simply because they were- this idea felt incredibly empowering. Also, as someone who was always looking to find what was "right," "good," or objectively "true," the idea of pluralistic truths (or many stories coexisting at once) freed me from searching for these things and re-oriented me toward creating "meaningful," "mindful," "collaborative," "dialogic" spaces instead. I now consider myself a CMM evangelist and hope to share CMM with whoever will listen :) It continues to be a lens that I see everything in my life through and I am grateful to be steeped in this theory every day!