Posts tagged Shoes
Kindness: Learning to Empathize (In 5 Minutes)
Nov 19th
e might not be aware of it, but we are an extremely narcissistic society. In fact, this is becoming a problem that could actually undermine our civilization. Certainly, there are parts of this “individualism” which help a society prosper and grow. The ability to think out of strict group restrictions helps people achieve and create amazing things. However, in the midst of our individual pursuits-we have to be careful that the focus of our lives has not become reduced to selfish ambition and blind individualism.
The first step in really cultivating kindness in our lives is choosing to actually try to think in terms of the other. Taking times to actually think and empathize with other individuals. If we are not able to empathize than we are not ever going to be able to be kind people. If we cannot learn to “walk in the shoes of another” it will be impossible to seek the good of the other. To some, empathy is natural, while it may be more difficult for other people. For those with whom empathy is not easy, perhaps a simply psychological activity could go a long way. Right now, close your eyes and think of someone in your life who is going through a rough time- it could be because of a sickness, financial problem, family or relational issues, etc. Now picture this person in your mind, see them, and imagine their thoughts, fears, sorrows, hopes, and dreams. Perhaps this may feel strange or even intrusive at first, but I guarantee as you continue on with this visualization, you will start thinking outside of yourself and experiencing life from the other individual’s perspective. This in turn will help soften your being, as you turn you focus away from yourself.
Another practice you can do is just start focusing your thoughts and prayers on the other individual. One way I like to do this is put on some calming music, close my eyes, and simply bring individuals to the forefront of my mind. As I am slowly breathing in and out, I am simply wishing blessing, peace, and grace on them. I find through this experience, that I grow more empathetic towards these individuals, and actually grow in my kindness towards them. For example, if I am visualizing a family member I have not talked to in a while, I feel more compelled to call them and see how there is life going. Perhaps, if it is a friend that I know is having a hard time, I see a new perspective on how I could be a blessing to them. You can also practice doing this with basic yoga positions. Perhaps, our prayers and wishes for others have less to do with them being directly blessed from God and more to do with God changing us, so we can become more of a blessing to them. In order to become kind people, we have to change our whole way of viewing the world and remove the narcissistic perspective by seeing life from a different point of view
Seize the Day – Take the Plunge
Nov 7th
Yesterday afternoon, someone very close to me called for some fun advice.
He took the day, to do what he loves and came upon what he believed to be a very cool artifact. The dilemma? It was approximately 8 feet under water. Now, I believe I know him fairly well; so, when he’s telling me about this and wanting to know what I think he should do, all I can hear is excitement in his voice. So naturally, my response was: ‘go for it!’ I mean, why not, right? Without hesitation, he laughed and agreed! Time to jump in…
Not too long after, he calls back, still laughing and yet, for an entirely different reason. The artifact was just a rock and even though he’d stripped down to jump in, his clothes AND shoes ended up in the water, thanks to his sweet puppy. What I found intriguing was the degree at which he was laughing. It was infectious and a wonderful reflection at how Jill and I find amusement in just about everything. If nothing else, having the opportunity to share in his adventure demonstrated just how we are surrounded by like minded / hearted people. What a gift!
However, another facet to this experience showed up when he jokingly said, ‘the next time I ask whether or not I should jump in, tell me ‘no”. Here’s the thing. I could hear his delight in the experience and not even interested in speculating on whether or not he regretted the time; that’s for him to say. From my end, I could have interpreted it that way which really highlighted just how much ‘we’ say one thing and feel another, which is ultimately confusing to those around us and often leads to breakdowns in communication. Now like I said, I know this man very well, and did not allow any thoughts to take over the feelings I was picking up. As empathic people, that’s our contribution to our world; to stick with the feelings and disregard the mental interpretations. On the other hand, it’s also a reminder for me to know what I’m creating and be very intentional with what I’m putting out there with my energy as well as my words. It brings integrity to an entirely new level. Yes!!! I’m a girl of integrity…
The last insight was the way his plunge reminded me that taking risks is FUN!
I’ve been told by many that not everybody enjoys taking risks like me. Talk about a slap in the face. Risk taking is purely up to the individual AND I’m not about to stop talking about it. To me, there is so much growth potential, I’d be crazy not too. So my dear friend decided to go through with his plunge, and as I said, he was fairly certain he was going to come up with this fabulous artifact. Funny thing is he did. It just didn’t look like he thought it would. He now has a memory that will stick with him to his dying breath and because he shared it with me, I will too! That my friends is what living as well as taking chances is all about. It’s not about the thing ~ that’s far too narrow. It’s about the complete picture. It not only opens your heart, it causes a ripple effect in your world! Taking the plunge is being open to everything; it’s a form of holisitic living because it feeds you mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually!
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking a chance on you!
