Perfect Humans

Is it my imagination, or are people more sensitive to everything? In politics, I rarely hear people who disagree with one another have measured discussions; more often, it’s about taking sides and vilifying the other side and the other person. In meetings, same thing: it isn’t enough to simply dislike someone’s words or stance without making them a bad person in our minds.

I find a need in meetings I chair to take the first half hour encouraging check-ins; I almost always invite everyone to take a moment to see how they are and to find ways to support themselves before any discussion. It’s not only helpful, but sadly, necessary.

I include myself in this; as with so many others, I’m quick to not only take offense, but to judge the other as a way of protecting myself. It’s good to remind myself that we’re all in this together. That we are all perfect humans, growing through our mistakes and experiences.

Quote of the week

You can make heaven out of hell, or hell out of heaven. The choice is yours.

• Shannon L. Alder

Ze Frank: Are you human?

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Maryanne Nicholls is a Registered Psychotherapist.  To find out more, gain access to her weekly newsletter, meditations and programmes, sign up at www.thejoyofliving.co .