We cut through one strand and another takes its place, AND the more we struggle the more tangled we
get.
How much more freedom and energy would we have if we sailed through all these minor mishaps, disagreements and self fulfilling problems we come up against...and create for ourselves?
Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, however how often do you stop when confronted by a differing opinion to yours to?:
- REALLY listen and check your understanding
- REALLY think through what that person is saying
I've had many moments in my life when I've got the wrong end of the stick, jumped to a conclusion or argue a point only to realise far too late that actually my 'opponent' was on my side and our views were similar. We just put it across differently and I was
guilty of not taking time to understand this.
Viktor Frankl wrote that
'there is a time between stimulus and response where we can make an impact'
Could we free ourselves of the 'spider web' of jealously, hatred, misunderstanding and ignorance if we took a
pause before responding and simply saying?
'can you please explain that again, I respect you and respect your knowledge so it's probably something I need to listen too?'
Could we not grow ourselves by taking time to understand another's viewpoint?
Maybe, the FURTHER off their opinion is from ours the MORE it can develop our view of the world?
Even the most awkward of individuals would surely be swayed slightly by an authentic show of respect such as this?
Ever notice that some of your best relationships have sprung from and initial meeting that was originally a tad
hostile?
We love making up!
It is a powerful bonding experience. A barrier overcome somehow creates a closer relationship.
One plus one makes THREE!
Maybe start to see these little mishaps or disagreements as a chance for us to develop?
Pause before reacting and choose your response around this.
Be an observer looking in from the outside...of course that usual response or knee jerk reaction will happen, just reflect on it and grow!
J
