Moving Forward Together in Aboriginal Women's Health: - Theses ...

Moving Forward TogetherJanet KellyDadirri is described as a quiet, still awareness, similar to contemplation(Ungunmerr 1993). It is a non-obtrusive observation, a quietly aware watching,where people are recognised as being unique, diverse, complex andinterconnected; part of a community where all people matter and all peoplebelong (Atkinson 2002; Ungunmerr 1993). Atkinson (2002, p. 15) describesDadirri as;a reflective non-judgemental consideration of what is being seen andheard; and, having learnt from the listening, a purposeful plan to act,with actions informed by learning, wisdom, and the informedresponsibility that comes with knowledge.This concept links with respectful and democratic knowledge sharingdescribed later in this thesis in critical and feminist theory and communitybased action research. Dadirri offers a deeper understanding of how to developthe kind of deep listening that many Aboriginal women request. Atkinsonadvises that we first need to listen quietly, in order to gain trust and respect.I will listen to you, share with you, as you listen to, share with me…..Our shared experiences are different, but in the inner deep listening to,and quiet, still awareness of each other, we learn and grow together. Inthis we create community, and our shared knowledge(s) and wisdom areexpanded from our communication with each other (Atkinson 2002, p.17)In many ways Dadirri explains how deep listening enables Ganma knowledgesharing to occur. Atkinson describes Dadirri as an inward as much as anoutward journey, a self awareness of one’s own beliefs, influences,assumptions, intrusions, decisions and a choice, and how these impact onhealth care and research. Atkinson describes how Dadirri guides her to act withfidelity in relationship to what has been heard, observed and learnt (2002, p.18), to understand the pain beneath anger, what a body says when a tonguecannot, and to listen with her heart as well as her ear. Dadirri encouragespractitioners to affirm the courage and hope of people, to move beyondcommon understandings of reciprocity, responsibility and support, toward adeeper understanding that enables all involved to find new meanings in their91