non-reactivity Application Chapter Three
reflection
Why do you think volunteers came to help Blake at the river clean up?
Do you notice any bodily reactions when accepting criticism from others or yourself?
When was the last time someone gave you their full attention, and didn’t interrupt you? Consider how you can give the gift of active listening to others and what effects that might have on the conversation. Positive? Negative?
What kinds of things could a researcher do to immerse themselves in your community? What are some important sociocultural elements that bond you to your home?
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analysis
In this section, Blake consults Mahant, organizes several events, learns an origin story about the Ganges, and practices active listening during her research. Her initial interaction with Mahant is beneficial because consulting local authority figures was a good place to start her new action plan. She wants to make a difference and help the people remediate the poor water quality, but Mahant reminds her that it’s a waste of time trying to fix a problem that isn’t widely recognized as a problem. Instead, he encourages her to adopt a new perspective.
When Dev shares the story of Goddess Ganga, Blake sees a glimpse of the plethora of local legends and significance associated with the river. This is an important moment because it provides Blake with cultural context for the way people use the river. The Ganges is much more than just a source of water, so Blake needs to see the river not solely as a resource, but also as a personified entity in Indian culture. As she makes these connections, she immerses herself in the community. By doing this, she develops mutual trust with the community, creates buy-in, and fosters mutual understanding. Throughout her research, Blake is careful to remain mindful of her stakeholders and their goals for the river. A key takeaway in this chapter is the strategic and mental pivoting Blake needs to do to keep the project afloat, all while remaining non-reactive. By practicing active listening, she becomes better equipped to regulate her reactions when they arise.
recommended reading
Meditating on the Beauty and the Devastation of our Natural World
By Mark Coleman
Coleman explores a peaceful perspective on handling the weight of ecological harm. It teaches the paradox of reconciling complex worldly issues with highlighted beauty and significance.