Day 35 ~ March 5 ~ Understanding
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Quotes
“To effectively communicate, we must realize that we are all different in the way we perceive the world and use this understanding as a guide to our communication with others.” ~ Tony Robbins “Anger and intolerance are the enemies of correct understanding.” ~ Mahatma Gandhi |
2014 Gandhi Summer Institute, University of Alberta
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Reflection
Imagine what it’s like to “walk in another person’s shoes”. The skill of understanding others helps us relate to what people might feel in a certain situation and that also allows us to make sense of how they might react. Understanding how others feel, act, and react helps us build better relationships. Understanding helps us to develop the compassion which is needed to add to a culture of nonviolence. |
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Affirmation
Even the most hard-to-fathom behaviour can be explained by a constellation of beliefs, events, reactions, and circumstances. Today I seek this deeper level of understanding. |
Daily Action
When you find yourself disagreeing with someone, focus on understanding what they are saying – and why. Listen compassionately to them and tell them what you understand them to be saying. With empathy, say clearly and quietly what you believe to be true. |
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Action for Teens
People who are good at understanding others are usually good listeners. We can fall into the trap of so earnestly wanting to get our point across, we forget to listen to the person we are speaking to. During your conversations today, instead of letting words go in one ear and out the other, take time to hear what the other person is saying. Action for Children Today, try to “put yourself in someone else’s shoes” to help you understand why they may be acting the way they are. |
Quotes
“When you understand, you cannot help but love.” ~ Thich Nhat Hanh “Peace cannot be kept by force. It can only be achieved by understanding.” ~ Albert Einstein “Nothing in life is to be feared. It is only to be understood.” ~ Marie Curie "Any fool can criticize, condemn, and complain but it takes character and self control to be understanding and forgiving." ~ Dale Carnegie |
Moscow Ballet ballerina, Olena Nalyvaiko, performing at Edmonton's 2015 U.N. International Day of Peace Celebration
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Inspirational Video: "Empathy...Standing in Someone Else's Shoes"
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