Peace Call | Headphones and Speakers Blog
By: Mike Doria
Ten minutes into any show put on by Cirque du Soleil and you truly start to wonder whether there was “something else” hidden in the pipes you see in the photo. The creators’ imaginations run marathon wild in these performances leaving you both entertained and scratching your head simultaneously. Most of the time, I employ the rule of wide-open interpretation when watching any of the Cirque shows. Plus, if you’re seeing one of the shows with a friend — it’s always interesting to see how the minds of two people concoct such different meaning when comparing notes at the end.
Now celebrating its 10th anniversary, KA is clever — on crack. Start to finish it is meticulously well thought out, awing and eye-catching. Imagine a stage going vertical! It does — and it makes up for the lack of acrobatics you see in other Cirque shows. But, I must come clean. Prior to seeing KA, I cheated and researched the storyline. I’m glad I did as the tale will be the focal point for the remainder of this blog post. KA tells the story of twins forced into battle by an evil Counselor who ends up declaring peace when one of his own minions unexpectedly befriends one of the twins. Apparently the saying “Keep your friends close and your enemies closer” is solid advice. So how do we handle our real life battles with friends and family or keep the peace without going to war? Try these suggestions.
1.) Avoid Cold Shoulders: Unless you’re five years old or devoid of any adult aura — the cold shoulder is just plain catty and totes uncool. Why? Because although you think you are showing the other person the error of his or her ways — you’re only really showing that the situation is still bothering you and doing nothing to get at the root of the problem. Adults work things out and compromise. They understand that people make mistakes. Yes — it’s perfectly ok to employ a “cool down” period after an argument or fight. But a “period” shouldn’t last more than a week. (You’re welcome ladies); or two at the max if you’re a man. 🙂
2.) One Word: The storm is brewing, the ship is rocking and the person aggravating you is about to get anything but sailor’s delight. But instead of dropping a barrage of f-bombs intertwined with nuggets of non-sense and other wasteful words that have a part in any epic argument — you instead spit out the one word — the magic word. Yup — the magic word. Mine is “Octopus.” Dropping that word is a signal to the other person to change the subject and move on peacefully. Obviously, using a magic word is generally reserved for a person with whom you are prone to argue.
3.) Table for Two: Don’t invite anyone else because there isn’t enough room. Having an army of people who will take your side and back you up works on the playground. But adults don’t recruit and namedrop to see how many people agree with their particular side of the argument. Plus, it only convolutes the situation and can potentially create spin-off arguments between people. If you truly believe you were right in the argument, find a way to prove it with evidence that is not in the form of recruited human beings.
4.) Zip It: It’s sort of like the CIA, Military or FBI. Different people within those organizations have different security clearances. This concept is especially useful when it comes to avoiding arguments altogether or even while in the midst of a verbal battle. Keeping quiet or withholding certain pieces of information that you know will only draw a reaction from the other person helps create “no fight zones.” And while we’re on the subject of shhh — here’s a quote my Aunt taught me: You don’t have to attend every argument to which you’re invited.
5.) Order in the Court: If the argument or confrontation is unavoidable, then 
entertain it from a legal perspective. Every courtroom trial is preceded by the “Discovery Process” during which each attorney gathers supposed evidence and shares the findings with the other side. A judge decides what’s admissible and what isn’t. When it comes time for your argument…try looking at it the other side first. Also, limit the argument to just the facts. Side Note: Perceptions aren’t facts but may hold up as partial evidence.
Think about this: In addition to the hopeful “Peace Call” that follows battles and arguments, understanding is an equally important take-away. By the way, you can see KA over at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino.
