By DOUGLAS
As we advance along this journey called life, we may begin to realise things which should have been apparent to our conscious mind, many years before.
The many pitfalls which could have been avoided and the sometimes painful realisation, that most if not all of our problems are to a large degree, self-inflicted.
Our interaction with our peers, family, friends and colleagues are often wrought with anger, suspicion and downright dislike. Many instances of these aforementioned negative positions are due to preconceived perceptions, formed in the main, by a lack of understanding.
This lack of understanding, stems from the inability to listen and understand, resulting from a breakdown in communication.
In conversation, do we actually listen to the other person’s point of view, or are we simply interested in forcing our next poorly formulated delivery of verbal garbage, upon the other, not adding to the conversation at all.
The number of times that a dialogue is simply two opposing monologues, is one of the main contributors to perceptions of dislike or lack of empathy towards someone, whom you have in reality simply not taken the trouble to treat with any respect. Take the time to listen, to communicate as a two way exercise and you shall be pleasantly surprised at how a stranger, who from all outward appearances, is someone with whom you “Will never be able to befriend” suddenly is seen as an individual fellow human, with whom you have not only much in common, but with whom you have much to share.
Before falling prey to preconceived positioning based on stereotyping and the comments or attitude of others, treat each new encounter as a fresh opportunity to meet a new friend, you may find this to be a rewarding experience.
