I am sitting here in "wonder"...life has presented me and continues to present me with opportunities to experience things that I thought I understood...but truly didn't. And while some people have to sit in simulation exercises to "feel" the experience... I have been living some of them....being on the receiving end. Kind of a gift but in very wacky wrapping paper!
I believe I am a sensitive person. I believe I treat people with respect and understanding. Maybe I needed some more experiences to truly remember how it feels when people don't act that way. Life continues to present me with those opportunities :). Have I said thank you lately Life?!
How many times have you heard that people were sent to sensitivity training? Maybe your company or school makes it mandatory. I was in a meeting yesterday and we were talking about a study that is going on in our area. I said I did not participate because I have not had health insurance for over three years and I do not want something diagnosed that may then became a pre-existing condition when I can afford insurance.
A person at the table who is a nurse said something like...way to take care of your health. She then whispered something to the other person and then they both laughed. I am not sure what that was about...if the comment and laughter were directed at me or not but it sure felt like they were...but rather than feeling bad about it I know I was honoring my truth. And as for the two of them...maybe sensitivity training would be an idea.
I sat with someone on Wednesday who is having a very challenging time. They wanted to talk with me about it. I never once would have thought to say...way to take care of your life. People do they best they can with what they have from where they are. I believe that. Sure folks make poor choices but they deal with the ramifications of those decisions...I don't need to be the one who endless points those out. I would rather be the person who says...how do you move forward from here?
And actually taking that kind of stance with people doesn't take any special kind of "training". It just requires taking time to listen to people without judgment and being a witness to their experience without having yours overshadow it.
It also takes knowing when to laugh and when not to.
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