Theory to Practice: Deconstructing Inappropriate Hierarchical, Dichotomous, and Linear Thinking

The main objective of this chapter is introducing how to deconstruct our binary thinking which is the major barrier for our understanding of multicultural competencies and/or DEI to be expressed in our behavior. This chapter introduces non-conventional methods: practice like learning a foreign language, practice mindfulness, and practice transformative learning in order to be conscious of the neurobiology of automaticity. Two cognitive information processing models (automatic vs. controlled) are discussed with examples of critical inquiry to illustrate the transition from automatic information processing to controlled information processing. The importance of practicing uncensored writing to respond to specific questions to be aware of inner experience and to transition from automatic information processing to controlled information processing. The chapter postulates paradigm shifts in thinking (from binary to complex or holistic) and learning (from coneptual to transformative) in order to transition “understanding” to “action”. The content of the chanpter consists of experiential and reflective learning activities on readers’ multiple identities and their intersectionality to become aware of their real values, beliefs, and thinking syles, etc. by connecting the concept to their lived experience. Transformation is defines as “experiencing (not talking about) the dialectical unity which is experiencing the unity of opposites internally”. The power of our inner experience on our ability to change.