“Walking in someone else’s garden” is a useful metaphor to introduce this interfaith/intercultural experience to you. When we step into someone’s garden, we are essentially entering someone’s sacred space. The life of a person is delicate so tread with care.
As someone who will explore boundaries of faith and culture, you are not required to “give-up” or “lose” your own identity, nor must you to take-on the spiritual attributes and beliefs of another. We often make incorrect assumptions and judge someone’s world through the fog of own biases.
With that in mind, you will be challenged in attempting to see the world through others’ eyes.
Truly mutual dialogue requires a person to enter someone else’s world with softness, humility, and respect.
Consider the new sights, smells, unique landscaping with both familiar and exotic flora.
Be aware. What you interpret as a weed may be the most prized blossom in another’s garden. Treading softly in someone else’s garden presents participants with opportunities for personal and spiritual growth.
One’s horizons are extended, In the end, both guests and hosts will be invited into a relationship of mutual respect.
One’s horizons are extended, In the end, both guests and hosts will be invited into a relationship of mutual respect.
