At times, when we separate on ideas, feelings, thoughts, behavior or geographical sites, it is as if my skin is tearing as a new boundary is established. The skin, as a boundary, is one place to begin the separation and identification of self at every age and stage of development. There is a beauty to boundaries. Once they are acknowledged, transactions can occur across the boundary. These transactions made within the context of respecting the other's boundary can be collaborative and productive.
Some people immediately identify a boundary as a barrier, though.
However, if the goal is to facilitate communication, then converting the barrier into a boundary is crucial to the process. Colleagues, some of you may be wondering where I am going with this psycho-babble. In these perilous, chaotic times, we cannot afford for a boundary to be automatically and exclusively viewed as a barrier. Barriers evoke thoughts of resistance, protection, takeovers and an aggressive stance. The nursing profession must maintain its integrity and yet promote the diversity of thoughts, ideas and innovations.