To Harmonize
The source of this list has been lost. I cannot give attribution. I know that I am not the one who compiled these words. I think it is an act of resistance to share them in this era of disharmony, of unrestrained ego, of the illusion that conflict has a worthwhile outcome. Leadership demands reciprocity, harmony of stakeholders.
I was reminded of this from another direction, as I listened to an interview with someone who worked for our recently departed President, George Herbert Walker Bush. President Bush was of my fathers generation. They were young adults at the beginning of WWII. Though eligible for deferment from military service Bush joined the navy immediately after graduation from college. He was to be shot down and rescued in the Pacific some time later. In later years he did not bring this up and attempt to gain political advantage by telling the story when he was a candidate for the Presidency.
George H. W. Bush June 12, 1924 – November 30, 2018, 41st President of the United States
So I invite you to think about the dimensions, the approaches to harmony. In what ways can you and I apply this mindset to our one life, to our projects, our challenges?
RELATED TO HARMONIZE
Adjust
cooperate
coordinate
integrate
reconcile
unify
accord
adapt
agree
arrange
attune
blend
carol
cohere
combine
compose
correlate
orchestrate
proportions
relate
set
sing
suit
symphonize
synthesize
tune
unite
be in unison
be of one mind
chime with
fit in with
reconciliate
3 thoughts on “To Harmonize”
One additional word and a phrase comes to mind.
Accept
Do one’s part
-Jeff
President Bush had not been my notion of an ideal president. (I’m still awaiting such a paragon.) But your thoughts on harmony remind me that that is not achieved just by two instruments producing the same melody simultaneously. Harmony comes from diversity: additional notes complementing — or even dissonant to — a melody. Difference is essential for harmony even to exist.
In like vein, I once constructed a patchwork crazy quilt that I titled “Random Harmony.” A single unvaried sheet of calico could have been titled “Unity,” a concept prized by many — perfect agreement, no dissent. Yet a plain piece of consistent cloth isn’t very interesting to contemplate, while a riot of contrasting colors and angles is. Viva Harmony!
Interesting contrast between harmony and unity. A church ideally is an example of unity, organized around dogma. A democracy when functioning, is a harmony. Differences are adjusted, to adapt to the requirements of the life of the whole and to that of the individuals who participate.