Being a Therapeutic Presence in a Multi-Cultural World

I am currently in a class called "Developing an Intercultural Competency." Last week we had 4 guest speakers in class who are all doing multi-cultural work here in Seattle. They were fascinating to listen to, but I was most intrigued by what was said the waning minutes of class. Our professor asked them to each make a few closing comments on how one might go about becoming a therapeutic presence in a multi-cultural world. These are their responses, which I thought were brilliant.

1. Immerse yourself in uncomfortable learning communities
2. Don't do anything out of guilt
3. Become a part of a community - let the neighborhood teach you
4. Ask "How can I be sustainable in this community?"
5. Be okay with who you are
6. Be bold in what you can offer that community
7. Be comfortable with chaos
8. Create liminal space for conversation and learning to happen
9. Be proactive in learning about other cultures