Gaia: MISUNDERSTOOD?

Re: New pod symbol?

http://singerseeker.gaia.com — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 15:35:53 GMT

Ha, so it was you, lars! LOL!

Re: New pod symbol?

http://simpleandbasic.gaia.com — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 15:01:21 GMT

This is the second game I lost around here in two days!

I should have wiki'd it first!

New Pod

http://mbsu.gaia.com — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 14:06:23 GMT

Just posting a friendly notice of a new pod I've recently started that I currently refer to as:

Fully Engaged in the Games of Life

I would be pleased if any should be so kind as to join in and 'engage.' Hoping to start some interesting discussions in the very near future.

Thanks,
mikeS

Re: New pod symbol?

http://fastdarter.gaia.com — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 20:22:15 GMT

And the prize goes to.....
Nico...I thought no one would figure that out.
Do you have a question...hee hee :-)

Re: New pod symbol?

http://singerseeker.gaia.com — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 16:21:13 GMT

I thought so too. In Spanish, it would be the beginning of a question :)

New pod symbol?

http://simpleandbasic.gaia.com — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 15:24:44 GMT

Interesting! An upside down question mark...hhhmmm....

Re: No misunderstanding this time... The writitng on the wall

http://singerseeker.gaia.com — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 21:51:15 GMT

I don't know, Mike. But I hope you're right, I miss him already,

Hugs,

Nicole

Re: No misunderstanding this time... The writitng on the wall

http://mbsu.gaia.com — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 10:35:00 GMT

The guy was deeply engaged in Gaia. Clearly he found it highly valuable to be here and there were many others who valued his input (and even enjoyed sparring with him). He started two groups and was a full participant of numerous others.

Therefore...

I got 10 bucks on his return in two weeks or less!

Any takers?

Thanks,
mikeS

Re: No misunderstanding this time... The writitng on the wall

http://environsand.gaia.com — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 08:29:23 GMT

Well -as we all no Andrew has left -and while he had many freinds here,
that wasn't enough for him.
I am disappointed in him and Mike really hit the nail on the head,
I'm afraid.
Andrew was sensitive, without understanding others sensitivities as
well and I have to say Silly Old Bear has far more reason to be sensitive
than Andrew - and has handled the situation with much more dignity.

At the end of the day -even those that were not fans of Andrews
hoped he would stay -so he didn't HAVE to go.
I will keep in touch with him -and who know;s -maybe one day he will
come back -and this is going to be harder for him, than anyone else-
as I fel he will miss Gaia.

Ashley, please don't leave too on account of this -it has been very
upsetting for all of us involved in it and all attempts to make peace
WERE made.
It was Andrew's choice -he could have made the peace too and
accepted that not everyone liked him -he had his ways that to some
seemed offensive -misunderstood, perhaps, but he misunderstood
that other members have feelings as well.

We need to understand that -we are all different and we shoudd
respect that in each other.

Peace and love everyone -I am not going to post on this pod anymore-

Re: No misunderstanding this time... The writitng on the wall

http://ch3shyr3c4t.gaia.com — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 08:13:25 GMT

Hi all.

I know most of you don't know me. And I don't participate in this pod alot.. hardly any except for 3 or more posts when it was made.

I figured I'd come here to figure out why Andrew left.
I just recently got his e-mail that he was leaving gaia.
And not leaving gaia is not looking like a bad idea on my part either.

I've been friends with Andrew since I joined Gaia almost a year ago.

And as everyone I found Gaia amazing and as the majority of people found Andrew to be a most interesting person.

Amoung the people I've met on gaia I cherish Andrew the most so I just wanted to put my two sense in on this whole catastrophe.

I think... it is absolutely BULL SHIT how Andrew has been treated.

It's understandable that our eccentric aussie friend has a tendancy to question bluntly what he doesn't understand and this might seem offensive to people, but to we forget that free thinking does not exsis without those to question what is placed before us when our brains to not fully comprehend whats going on?

I also understand that Andrew can be intimidating in his opinions which I have not experience first had because as far as I'm concerned he has never been anything but a sweet and intellectual man who wants to mingle with amazing people from around the world.

I used to think Gaia was different from other social networks and forums but the water runs clear after it goes over the rocks doesn't it.

The same drama and childishness goes on here as it does any online community except the worst part is that the people that go on this site claim to be on a 'path to higher conciousness and enlightenment and spiritual whatever' and still they refust to look past their own egos. It's one thing to pass a judgement on someone you don't know.. its another to be a hypocrite about it.

People didn't like Andrew because in a network of cotton candy he was the molassas. He didn't pretend to be sweet and contrite. He didn't put on this persona of being perfect.

He was himself on here.

I'm sorry I'm rambling on but I think it was gravely wrong the way our Andrew was treated and It makes me wonder why I still post on this website.

There are some amazing people here on gaia. But just like in the real world.. for every amazing person.. there are 4 more idiots who some how manage to blend in.

Maybe their just misunderstood to, whatever the case. I will miss Andrews awesomeness and I hope the SoB character is happy with passing judgement on a man who he has never even known...

much love,
Ashley

Re: No misunderstanding this time... The writitng on the wall

http://simpleandbasic.gaia.com — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 04:50:32 GMT

Big sighs all around. What a weird experience this whole online things is. Is this real or is this not? I don't get it anymore. I misunderstand it as much as I may be misunderstood.

Re: No misunderstanding this time... The writitng on the wall

http://mbsu.gaia.com — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 13:42:40 GMT

Aus,

This is a repeat performance. Is this some type of 'Gaian martyrdom' you're seeking? Usually, when I make an erroneous judgment I say I'm sorry, make amends if possible and move on. Try that. This post-production theatrics seems a bit melodramatic don't you think?
It's understandable that parkinson's symptoms may impair memory. However, you seem clear enough to post sticky notes indicating who you should cease to interact with due to their sensitivity to your engagment style. Not everyone can engage in the rough and tumble play that you and I have, mate.
However, it seems to me that your copying and pasting of these dialogues seems more a claim to innocence, then an admission of guilt. Your sensitivity to the rejection of others seems to cause a need for mass validation.
Nevertheless, I only say these things because i know you can hack it and this is because I see how, at times, your certainly can dish it out! ; )
Obviously, most folks would prefer you continue to hang out, but they've told you that the last time (or was it the time before that).

Peace Aussie Bro!
mikeS

Re: No misunderstanding this time... The writitng on the wall

http://singerseeker.gaia.com — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 12:37:37 GMT

I've messaged you privately but wanted to say it here too.

I really hope you stay, Andrew.

Love you lots and lots,

Nicole

Re: No misunderstanding this time... The writitng on the wall

http://lifeweaver.gaia.com — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 12:29:24 GMT

Hi mate.
I've made some comments on other groups and written to you. Cant say anymore. There are people here who love and appreciate you.
I dont know much about Parkinsons except that Michael Fox has it.
Sending you good vibes. You do what you need to do, stay, go, whatever works.
(((Jenny)))

Re: No misunderstanding this time... The writitng on the wall

http://environsand.gaia.com — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 06:26:08 GMT

P.S -Andrew -have you read Silly Old Bear's profile ?

" general I am a cantankerous, paranoid, cynical, verbally uncivilized and quite easily offended Bear "

Please may you also be tolerant to him too ??

Re: No misunderstanding this time... The writitng on the wall

http://environsand.gaia.com — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 06:22:34 GMT

Andrew -I BEG you to stay -PLEASE?
This misunderstanding can be worked out-trust me.
Give me time at least to write to Siona and Silly Old Bear?

I was accidentely upset him too -but he emailed me direct and
we discovered it truly had been a geniune misunderstanding.
He has had bad things happen to him too -things that have made
it hard for him to trust anyone's motives anymore.
But he is a tolerant man -I don't think he quite "gets you"
yet -that is all.

Let me make a plea to him on your behalf?

And to Siona -please?

Peace and love
Sandy
P.S At least stay on for awhile and see where this goes??
I know you are sensitive too and your feelings have been hurt-
and they should make a few gentle litte exceptions for your
Parkinson's -or they are not being charitable.

No misunderstanding this time... The writitng on the wall

Thu, 26 Mar 2009 05:56:25 GMT

It is time for me to move on.

I have learnt much in my short
sojourn a Gaia.com but find that due to the deterioration of my mental
capacity resulting from the Parkinsons disease I can no longer trust my
memory, which has thrown my integrity in doubt.

Just over 3 weeks ago in response to Silly Old Bear's reply to me after joining 'A Strangers Torah'

I
am not going to say that you are welcome, Andrew, because my gut tells
me you are up to no good - but for the time being you may stay.

I removed myself from his pod and messaged him gaving my word I would not contact him again without being invited to do so…

I am really surprised by your response SoB.

I
had actually looked forward to getting to know you and to learn more
about the Torah, but I have no intention of remaining where I am
clearly not wanted.

I took you at face value thinking you
realised you had misunderstood me, but accusing me of being up to no
good makes me feel sick in the stomach.

You don't need to block
me again I will make no further contact with you until you invite me to
do so, when you decide I am worthy.

Andrew

Last
night, having forgotten my pledge not to message Silly Old Bear, I sent
Silly Old Bear a message regarding his pod 'A Strangers Torah'.

Hi SoB,

I just wanted to compliment you on 'A Strangers Torah'.

You have an amazing amount of material at your fingertips and a gift for conveying it in clear understandable terminology.

Irrespective
of your prejudice towards me I admire your work and think you are doing
a good thing in breaking down the barriers of ignorance. which has
always the basis of fear, in helping people understand the foundation
of Judaism.

I haven't read all of your material but was
wondering if you have covered any of the material regarding
archeological findings of artifacts dating back to before the
destruction of the temple in Jerusalem.

I remember reading
material by an archeologist, some 25 years ago, regarding the finding
of the vessel containing the remains of the ashes of the red heifer,
referred to in Numbers 19 and used in the ritual purification of sin.
I don't remember all the details but it was significant from an
historical and practical point of view to the priesthood if the Holiest
of Holies was to be reestablished in Jerusalem.

I'm sure you
would know far more about that than I, but it was reading about that
that lead me to read the book 'O Jerusalem' which completely changed my
attitude towards the reestablishment of the nation of Israel.

I'm
not trying to prove anything to you by telling you this, but shared it
from the point of view that raising peoples awareness of the
archeological findings that add credence to prophecy spoken thousands
of years ago should help you get the attention of the skeptics.

I'll leave you in peace,

Andrew

I woke up this morning to this message from Siona…

Hello Andrew!

SillyOldBear
just forwarded a note to me that you'd sent recently. With it, he
attached an earlier note you'd written, in which you told him there was
no need for him to block you, as you'd respect his wishes and would
refrain from communicating with him.

I'm sure you meant well
with your note, but well-meaning aside, you still broke your pledge to
SOB and he feels more anxious around you than ever. He wrote to me for
help, so I'm checking in. Hopefully your last message was just a
mistake and you'd just forgotten your earlier promise.

Siona

This was my response to Siona….

You are absolutely correct Siona.

I'd been looking at SoB's pod and was really impressed and felt moved to compliment him on it.

It
didn't occurr to me that he would find that threatening and yes, I had
forgotten that I'd told him I would have no further correspondence with
him until he'd invited me to do so.

I don't have an excuse.

I think you understand I would never consciously or intentionally break my word to anyone.

Siona
I am not anti-semitic in any way and have actively promoted Israels
cause when prejudice towards the Jewish people has raised it's head,
even at times on the God pod, as Nicole is aware.

But your query is not in relation to that.

This
has completely shot my confidence Siona, I have no idea how to
respond. The only way I can guarantee not making the same mistake
again is to withdraw from Gaia altogether.

Its a fact and it would remove the threat people perceive me to be.

It appears the effect of the Parkinsons disease on my memory is now getting to the stage that it puts my integrity in question.

I'll tidy up some loose ends and quietly disappear.

Thank you for your patience with me Siona, you are a beautiful lady with a wonderfully blessed ministry.

Good bye.

Andrew

All this stuff is beyond my comprehension.

I make no excuses, I am clearly in error and have broken my word to Silly Old Bear.

Many
of you are aware of the disputes I've had over the blocking issue.
What I have done is only helped cement the need for the blocking
function.

It has become clear that I can serve no worthwhile
purpose remaining in Gaia when people find my presence threatening and
intimidating.

I hold no animosity towards anyone and wish everybody the very best for the future.

My love to all.

An eccentric Aussie

Re: NO MISUNDERSTANDINGS???

http://lifeweaver.gaia.com — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 20:12:52 GMT

I guess for my part I have to gaurd against being too ultrasensitive and I try to be very clear in my communications which, as I think Tamra said, considering there are so many people from all over the world on Gaia. is really necessary. Even speaking the same language is no guarantee that we'll get it right.

Re: NO MISUNDERSTANDINGS???

Sun, 22 Mar 2009 15:21:17 GMT

We appear to have a lot in common Jenny.

Some in the Spiritual Illuminati that I have crossed swords with here have caused major upset for members where the members have been at a loss as to how to respond.

This is one of the main reasons I've put up with the personal insults that have been publiclly aired on another pod. I receive messages from these people from time to time in support of my stand against double standards.

I've been insulted by experts so the petty nasty comments that crop up are like water off a ducks back to me. I object only on the basis that it is not in Gaia's best interests to allow this type of personal vendetta to continue.

My objections fall on deaf ears, so I continue doing what I'm doing, trying to make the world a better place, one person at a time.

Gaia provides me with exposure to people that I seem to be able to encourage and help and that outweighs every other consideration.

The rest is just stuff.

It entertains small destructive self centred ego's, that, as in your case, leave eventually or wake up to themselves. Personally I hope for the latter, it gives me no satisfaction seeing anyone leave Gaia and removing themselves from the overall atmosphere of love, understanding and acceptance.

If they get their jollies leveling personal insults so be it, they'll get tired of it long before it starts getting under my thick hide.

Welcome to the 'Trouble Makers' pod...

An eccentric Aussie

Re: NO MISUNDERSTANDINGS???

http://lifeweaver.gaia.com — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 10:43:48 GMT

I find this thread interesting and have read through everybodies comments and really have nothing to add in conceptualising the idea.
I have been trying for some time to eliminate misunderstanding in my workplace. For years I have had to manage communication and understanding with the clients I see as well as the multidisciplinary teams I have been in. In the past in a hospital health setting this could be challenging because when people are ill or have relatives who are, there is a lot of room for emotional "filters" as you so aptly put it Tamra, to create blocks for understanding. There is also the problem of differences in conceptualising health for different allied health workers. When I started working in the community setting I had to adjust my ways of managing understanding but I still thought I was really good at it. I communicated well with my client families, always using respect and an open mind as a basis for my communications.

Then about 18 months ago I clashed unbearably with some work colleagues which shook my confidence in my ability to be conscious of others communication styles and work around them. Our work styles were different and neither of us would change. I decided to make a stand and refused to change my working style to make them feel more comfortable. They "ganged up" in a meeting where I believed we would discuss our differences and agree to disagree and work out alternative ways of dealing with our problem areas. Instead they recited a list of incredible misdeamenors of mine they had cooked up such as blaming me for a parent complaining about the professionality of one of them. This was a parent I had only seen once in a group setting I was stunned.

I could accept that they work the way they do but I expect to be accepted too. I still stand by that decision to not change and the main dissenter who demanded that I change and btw was junior to me has since left. It has taken myself and the other workers 18 months to rebuild comfortable relations. I have since been told that the girl who left had been a problem for many since before I started there. The problems arose because she decided we all had to agree on work styles and do everything the same. My supervisor said it was about her anxiety levels and we had to be understanding of her.

This leaves me with the issue of how much damage one person can do in inciting misunderstanding in a workplace by having strong "anxiety filters" that they are unable to see around. Its also why I dont tolerate instances where I feel people are "ganging up". I like to nip it early because it can creep up sometimes without the people doing it even realising it is happening.

It takes courage to be open and honest and stand your ground while maintaining a respectful and accepting attitude but it feels good when you get it right.