My mindset immersion field trip was completely unexpected, bitter sweet, and emotional. During the holiday’s we buried my fiancé’s Pawpaw. He was sick for a while and was placed in-home hospice care a few weeks ago so it wasn’t a complete surprise when he passed. I do feel like Pawpaw was waiting till after Christmas so that he can see all his family one last time. My fiancé’s family lives in Baton Rouge and surrounding rural cities. Baton Rouge’s economy is high based on several chemical plants in the area. A lot of the family work in these plants. In fact, my fiancé’s brother is a 3rd generation working and/or retiring from Dow Chemical. I noticed a lot of blue/red mindsets, some orange, and less green.

This past week I was able to not only experience and interact with different mindsets but, also practice almost every concept we have learned in this course. I practice active listening, I noticed many people telling themselves stories and climbing the latter of inference very quickly, and I was able to practice giving both positive and constructive feedback. What resonated the most with me is that even though there were so many different mindsets, backgrounds, experiences, etc. at the end of the day, there was common ground amongst everyone. Although there were a lot of differences, disagreements, and family drama, everyone managed to find compassion and empathy towards each other and come together to honor Pawpaw.

The week was emotionally intense and because everyone’s emotions were high, there was also a sense of vulnerability . I had a lot of interesting and heartwarming conversations throughout the week. I got to know my soon to be in-laws in greater depth, and they got to know me. I’m grateful I was able to help, support, and be part of this very difficult moment. I’m known as the “crazy democrat liberal”… lol. Some of our believes are total opposites and some align. The differences and similarities made for some good conversations. Some of the differences discussed were climate change, recycling, (which is not an adapted standard in BR), guns, and living in a city vs. rural town.

Some of the comments I heard over the week that illustrate some of the differences:

“I feel naked, it's been so long since I’ve not carried a gun or a knife on me.” (Although, it shouldn’t be such a shock to hear a comment like that living in TX)
“I don’t believe women should be questioning men, that is not their place”
“Recycling, what the hell for? I work for a plant that makes the Styrofoam, that’s all I use. It’s job security. I think I’ve used my dishwasher twice in the last year”

Although, the statements above felt like nails on a chalkboard when I heard them, I kept an open mind and used active listening to ask questions so that I can better understand. I don’t agree with every viewpoint but I came out with a better understanding.  Overall it was a sad and emotionally draining week, but throughout all of it, there was a deep sense of love and I was able to see a vulnerable side of the family which allowed for a deeper more meaningful relationship to develop.

I hope you all had a wonderful holiday time with your loved ones and wish you a year filled with love and abundance.

Ricardo