I learned a couple of interesting things today. One somewhat profound and the other not so much.
Profound: "Hurting people hurt people." I listen to a leadership philosopher by the name of John Maxwell. I'm reading "Everyone Communicates, Few Connect" right not - get a copy - today! There are a few people in my life I am trying to deal with right now - I am trying to strengthen myself and my communication skills so I can be a better "person".
I suppose what I am now trying to do is shift my thinking. Rather than wonder what did I do to this person to warrant the way they are treating me, I am now trying to look from their perspective. Maybe I have done something specific to hurt them, maybe someone else has hurt them. It sure males me think in a different manner. I am shifting the focus of my thinking.
I find that when my focus of thinking shifts from me to them, my defences lower, I become more open to listening to exactly what they are trying to communicate and not just what they are saying. I start to find that its not me they are lashing out at, I just happen to be standing there.
So here is my goal for the next 21 days. I am now going to stop for a moment before reacting to someone who I feel is trying to "hurt" me. I am also thinking of these people long before we interact. I can prepare myself not defensively, but rather proactively in order to listen to them and not further their hurt.
This is by no means easy. I've got 48 years of conditioning behind me.
The not so profound thing is that birds eat pepper plants. I have started an Aquaponic system in my backyard. The birds (I believe they are the Robins perpetrating this egregious act) are pulling out my pepper plants and carrying them away....
I had some sad, terrible news today as well. A student of mine - Cee Deschene died last Friday night / Saturday morning. I am told she had a tear in her aorta and was in surgery for many hours before succumbing. My thoughts are with her family and life partner.
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