Seek first to understand, then to be understood. - Stephen R. Covey
I constantly fail in this. Certainly not all of the time; my goals and intentions are to work diligently to understand people, to know where they are coming from in order reconnoiter their behavior. But it is difficult, especially when the counter-productive mental transmissions declare: “But, damn it, I’m right and here’s why! Let me just tell you about it! Hear me and my position!”
We aren’t listening to others at that point, and we aren’t effectively communicating.
I know you do it too. We all do. It’s part of the ongoing challenge of being human. The beautiful and empowering aspect of being self-reflective, intelligent beings is the ability to see ourselves in the moment and change direction. Of course, this is only accomplished if we are willing to switch gears, be flexible and open-minded.
Remember how we all came together after Sept. 11, 2001 and Jan. 8, 2011? Can we take into account and resolutely recognize the fact that we all want the same things: life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness?
We can re-train our perspective. It is a matter of stepping out of our comfort zones to acknowledge, accept and possibly embrace opposing viewpoints. Tucson and its populace extend many opportunities to become expanded beings for the greater good of humanity, community and the planet.
Between the slew of community events and artistic offerings, we can challenge ourselves to be open to other ideas. Check out a stage performance that might twist your mind, and possibly free it; if you believe that drought will be the death of us, learn about rainharvesting; if you are tapped for funds and think nothing is worth seeing, take in a free gallery show or local concert.
Options abound. Be open to them.
