18 November 2021
“It's not at all hard to understand a person; it's only hard to listen without bias.”
Criss Jami
Reflection
I have noticed that it is so much easier to listen to others if I cultivate my curiosity. Almost no matter what values and opinions they have, I‘m able to listen if I manage to stay curious. If I’m in touch with my curiosity and don’t believe in my judgments, they can express opinions different from mine, regardless if I label them racist, fascist or sexist. In these cases I see human beings of flesh and blood, full of love, passion and empathy. People who choose to do other things than me. Then I see human beings just like me.
Today's exercise
The next time you find yourself putting labels - moral judgments - on someone else, take a time out. Check with yourself if you have the space to see the person behind your labels. If you have space, guess what needs the person has behind the actions you judge them for. Do you recognize these needs within yourself?
Tip of the day
Tonight at 18:00 (CET) I give a workshop of our biased mind "Radical responsibility". Please join: Radical responsibility - Empathic Way Europe (empathiceurope.com)
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