Aug 30, 2009

Judgment is quick, understanding is hard work

We don't like hearing about another's plight, we only want to hear how they overcame it. There is an extraordinary value in just listening to the suffering, that is underrated in our self serving society. We hear misery, sadness, frustration, difficulty and we expect the solution to follow. Ask the next homeless person you meet how they are, and I dare you to not tell your self how it could never be you (he/she made bad choices, should do this, shouldn't do this, is mentally challenged, etc....). Then ask your friend how they are....

5 comments:

KBH said...

I'm working on the judgement part...

Eats Shoots and Leaves said...

What happened?

Unknown said...

Something we all have to learn over and over again... :)

Andi said...

Erin- nothing huge, just being reflective about certain situations that arise in life. The fear some people have that they may wind up in a similar situation often dictates their judgment. If there is not always a concrete reason why someone is suffering then that opens up the possibility that it could happen to them. Therefore we hear justifications, as to why it will never happen to them, in the form of judgment.

Ani said...

As my life takes me to situations I never thought I would find myself in, I am slowly learning this important lesson. Sometimes it takes bottoming out on some level, to have the perspective and humility to understand or listen with an open ear and mind. I truly hope that I can remain in this open place, as I lift myself toward the life I am striving for.


My new umberella!