During the course of our day we encounter many people. All are on a journey of their own, following a path that is unique to them. Whilst their path may be similar it is not the same; we each have a journey of our own to make. As we meet and interact with others we find some who we have a deeper connection with, possibly because we sense an underlying sameness – a similar stage in the journey or a sense of mutual learning on offer. However, for those we don’t connect with as much it is important to respect that they are on their own path, they are moving at their own pace and must make their own choices.
Yet often it is those who confront our thoughts and sense of self that we can learn alot from. Offering us the chance to learn where we still need to grow and what we need to discard from our own belief system. They make something stir within us, a feeling or thought that has been hidden come to the surface; we judge them and their way of living and the choices they are making. Some are present in our lives for a short while (co workers, fellow students), others fleetingly (fellow train travellers etc) and some we see all the time (family and friends).
By looking at what we think is not satisfactory with their life, we miss our own learning. Everyday we are offered opportunities to grow and deepen our understanding of self and the world. When we come in contact with another who ruffles our feathers, we should look deeper and at our own attitudes. For it is our path we must deal with – our own beliefs and feelings.
As a dear friend of mine says…”what you spot; you’ve got”
Enjoy
image by Anthena’s Pix
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This is soooo true. I am noticing it alot more, maybe because I’m more aware of it now. x
Me too Andie
Absolutely, yes, we hate seeing our selves in someone else don’t we?
This is called the ‘Shadow’. The Shadow is the part of ourselves that we deny and repress.
Like you say, we can learn such a lot from other people and it’s important to accept and value others, even if we don’t like them!
Julie Mann Habit fixer
Hi Julie – yes, there is so much learning available to us each day and from all things and all people. It’s all about how we look at each interaction we have during the day
Both literally and metaphorically, you can never see yourself.
I know what you mean by ‘what you spot, you’ve got’ and it does make me think about not judging people as much. To be more accepting not only of other people but also of myself.