During a class lesson about life skills, I asked four students to stand in each corner of the room and describe what they could see - eyes fixed ahead. As expected, the verbal responses differed with each physical positioning altering the view they could see. The students then rotated to another corner to repeat the exercise.
The lesson objective was to recognise we are always only one step away from viewing situations from a different perspective. This recognition creates the basis of understanding between people.
When we acknowledge the perspective of others we can engage in communication knowing that our views, experiences, and beliefs will differ. Making a conscious attempt to understand another’s point of view can reshape our interactions.
A question to ask yourself is, “What does the fixed view look like from their corner of the room, and how does it differ from mine?
Being open-minded can diffuse unnecessary tension and build trust in communication when people feel their point of view is being heard. This awareness can also initiate a disengagement from a toxic relationship with someone who is fixed on their perspective being the only view.
“We see the world, not as it is, but as we are - or, as we are conditioned to see it.” Stephen Covey Perception is based on what we focus on and where we are looking will form our perspective. In simple terms; where you focus your attention, the experience will create meaning.
To consider - what are you focusing your attention on, today, that is not creating the life experience you want? Trish
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