Understanding – the other side

21 Oct Understanding – the other side

22-28 October 2018

We all have different points of view, different frames of reference, different experiences, different beliefs, different opinions and different attitudes so sometimes it seems difficult to understand the other side.

None of us look at things in exactly the same way as anyone else due to the same reasons. We may have the same perspective as someone else but our reasons for that perspective are different to the other persons. We are all unique in so many ways – yet we’re all the same.

All throughout our life we gain numerous ways of viewing things because of the role models in our life and our different environments, the people in those environments and their behaviours. We all have impact on the people in our environment too – especially the future generation – children.

When we strive to be understanding we practice selflessness and begin to think about what it would be like to be in someone or something else’s place – or stand in their shoes as the saying goes. This opens our heart and mind to consider things that we may not have considered previously.

Striving to understand is a road to compassion as we open our hearts and minds to wonder, and feel, what it would be like to go through what someone else is going through, which then allows us to to be supportive, whether it be from afar or nearby – understanding removes judgement, criticism and negativity and a peacefulness begins to reside in your heart. Next time you struggle to understand someone or something flip your perspective and see what happens next.

Self-development means constant transformation and growth throughout your life.  Allow the ‘Virtue Of The Week’ to serve as a gentle reminder of who you are, and who you want to be. Contribute by creating the world you want to live in as you are aware of developing your character each week and inspire others to do the same. Be the change you want to see in the world.

Actions to take to practice Understanding (5 mins a day max.):

• Every morning:
  1. Read the card
  2. Reflect on what the card is saying to you right now
  3. Have a great day. Trust that at the right time this virtue will come to the front of mind when you need it.
• Every evening:
  1. Reflect on whether you implemented this virtue today
  2. If you didn’t – what could you do differently next time? If you did – acknowledge it within yourself.