Dialogue today is considered the ideal approach to spread global peace and build bridges of understanding between different cultures. The concept is promoted as a necessary means to resolve social, political and economic conflicts. The word “dialogue” is defined as an exchange of ideas or opinions on a particular issue, with the intention of reaching an amicable agreement or settlement. Sofana Dahlan, founder and CEO of “Tashkeil”, chose to promote another important approach to dialogue, “self-dialogue”, in her first Diwaniya initiative. “Diwaniya”, is a contemporary form of the traditional Arabian Majlis with the objective of providing a modern style of communication to connect creative individuals with experts and opinion leaders of the community in order to address social challenges that face the Saudi citizen today. The theme of the first Diwaniya event was “Self-Dialogue: The difference between ego and confidence or self-esteem”. The organizers chose this topic because they believe that constructive self-dialogue is very much needed to change negative attitudes that have eroded our values and have robed our youth of the basic principles of the true Arab and Muslim character. Arab youth today need better guidance to help them satisfy their self-esteem and care for others in a sort of equilibrium that can make them better people. Diwaniya invited four leading experts and intellectuals to highlight the concept of self-dialogue and to discuss its basic processes, such as self-conflict, self-criticism, self-agreement, and self-consultancy that are taking place in different domains in the “self”, in order to encourage the development of a more conscientious individual who can contribute to building a healthy society and a better world. Dr. Safi Kaskas talked about the Islamic approach and explained that a healthy life for a Muslim begins with the inner struggle or the self-dialogue against the ego. Distracted and polluted by desires for more, the lower self has a tendency to drag the human being down into arrogance and vice. Only by a powerful effort of will can the sincere Muslim develop a conscience that will enable him to acquire good and compassionate character traits. Sadly, the Muslim narrative today has failed to address the needs of the modern generation. It has also failed to influence Islamic values. Meanwhile, peer pressure and a highly competitive and harsh environment continue to influence negative behavior leaving our youth confused and less satisfied with their lives. Ziad Jarrar gave an interesting presentation about self-cultivation and the need for self-reassurance to build one's talents, and strengths. Self-esteem is what motivates a person and allows him or her to stay strong and positive during tough times. Jarrar argues that “ego”, which is commonly known as an inflated sense of self-worth, can be a good thing when it combines a healthy regard for the “self” with a healthy regard for others. Ego is a good thing when individuals with strong ego-strength are able to approach challenges with a determination to overcome the problem and persevere. Only then can they achieve success and find satisfaction in everything that they do. Unfortunately, the modern individualistic approach toward life has created materialistic people with selfish traits and an inhumane attitude that are fueling conflicts and wars. Promoting a more positive self-dialogue can instill a sense of right and wrong, create better leaders and more compassionate human beings. Miriam Seyffarth, who currently works as the Robert Bosch Cultural Manager, talked about the concept of “anti-ego” and stressed that it is an approach that many of the world's leaders could benefit from. “Self-dialogue” and a no ego approach could create far-reaching consequences that can impact future leaders and promote peace and harmony around the world. Waleed Hambishi discussed language and the philosophical approach to “self”. He explained how language can influence thought and vice-versa. It is like an instrument in the mind that conveys thought and feeling. When our language is weak, our mind becomes less creative. Language promotes the creative activity of the mind which influences new concepts and inventions. Our language is our identity; therefore, we must strengthen it to develop our minds and intellect. The Diwaniya discussion was very informative and rich with new perspectives and ideas. Hopefully, it can succeed in raising awareness of the importance of self-dialogue and healthy self-esteem. The founder of Tashkeil, Sofana Dahlan has initiated a series of initiatives to inspire the region to achieve a renaissance by engaging in innovative dialogue, uniting skills and common interests, initiating an international network of services and ideas and building bridges of understanding between communities. Indeed, she sets high standards for the new Saudi generation of talented youth who are eager to make a difference and to contribute to nation-building. — Samar Fatany is a radio broadcaster and writer. She can be reached at [email protected]
