Socks on the Line

To heal our relationships,

we have to move closer to people

we do not like,

learn to work with them

without friction.

When we do this,

we are remaking the images

in our minds ~

which means we are literally

remaking the world

in which we live.

Eknath Easwaran

Words to Live By

 

Relationship is one of the best teachers in life.  As human beings, we often find disharmony with family, friends, or business acquaintances.  Our general reaction may be to ignore or distance our selves when conflict occurs.  This, of course, is not the ideal way to handle the situation. 

What we frequently fail to recognize is that we project certain images upon others and when they do not act according to our imposed image, we react negatively.  We do not see the person as they truly are, we see them as we think they are.

To be clear, I will state that no one has any obligation to tolerate violence or abuse of any kind.  I am not addressing extreme issues that require absolute avoidance.  I am speaking to every day occurances that are a part of life in general.

When we feel discomfort with another person, instead of stepping away, stay present and observe the other person.  Really listen to what he or she is saying and try to put the conflicting viewpoint into a non-judgmental context.  Open your heart to feel what is being said from some one else's heart, rather than your own.

We do not always need to approve or condone the opinions of others, but if we can stretch our selves to understand differing viewpoints we can remain side by side without friction.  We can agree to disagree.  We want others to respect and honor our unique approach to life, and so we must do the same in return. 

It is really like socks hanging on a line.  Some are quite different while others are similar, but they all have a place to be.  We all have the right to wear our own socks, but perhaps we need to stand in other people's shoes. 

We are a diverse population and we are all entitled to have our own space to authentically exist.  Tolerance will help us create a world in which we can all live.