The Tip
My ally tip is to pause and ask yourself, "will my compliments, questions, and language uplift this individual? Or could they possibly cause them discomfort or harm?" Because each of those things- compliments, questions, a lot of questions have called caused me harm and discomfort and a lot of language has caused me harm and discomfort. But on the flip side, a lot of it has uplifted me. So if you are willing, and you're wanting to uplift me, that's what I would love. Uplift me and make me feel like you see me and so: pause. Before you say something and think about those things and I think that people could possibly feel a little safer in approaching if they pause to think about whether they're gonna hurt me or not.
Zoa, episode five
Breaking Down Zoa's Tip
Pause for Upliftment and Safety
Be thoughtful of words and actions to ensure they contribute positively.
1. Mindful Communication: Pause and reflect before expressing compliments, asking questions, or using language. This step is crucial for ensuring that communication is constructive rather than potentially harmful.
2. Upliftment vs. Harm: Zoa draws attention to the dual nature of language. Compliments, questions, and language can either uplift or cause harm and discomfort. Recognizing this duality is key to fostering positive interactions.
4. Creating Safer Spaces: The act of pausing for reflection can contribute to creating safer spaces, making it more likely for individuals to feel comfortable approaching and engaging in dialogue.
Listen to the full episode
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