This post is part of the 2012 A-Z challenge, created by the intrepid Arlee Bird at: http://tossingitout.blogspot.com/
"U"
Understanding. This is a huge word, and I don't mean because it has 13 letters. So much conflict comes from misunderstanding. How many times have you mis-heard what someone said because you are thinking your own thoughts while the other person is speaking. Or you mis-interpreted what was meant because you made assumptions that just weren't true. Our relationships will flourish if we make an effort to understand ourselves better as well as really paying attention to others so we understand them as well. Understanding creates empathy which makes room for acceptance, even if there are differences of opinion. So I am extremely grateful for the understanding that has come to me through the years.
How about you? What do you understand to be true?
Blessings
Karen
Understanding. This is a huge word, and I don't mean because it has 13 letters. So much conflict comes from misunderstanding. How many times have you mis-heard what someone said because you are thinking your own thoughts while the other person is speaking. Or you mis-interpreted what was meant because you made assumptions that just weren't true. Our relationships will flourish if we make an effort to understand ourselves better as well as really paying attention to others so we understand them as well. Understanding creates empathy which makes room for acceptance, even if there are differences of opinion. So I am extremely grateful for the understanding that has come to me through the years.
How about you? What do you understand to be true?
Blessings
Karen
16 comments:
Good point about misunderstandings. We need to truly listen to each other.
Play off the Page
Great post! The world definitely needs more understanding.
That is so true!
And sometimes it isn't just what they say, but how others act that we should try to understand. People do lots of things and sometimes it helps to try and understand the meaning behind it.
A good issue you raised here Karen.
Yvonne.
Great post. Sometimes it can be hard to be understanding and sometimes we simply misunderstand each other.
Hi Karen--I used understanding for my letter U, but with a little different focus. :) I do agree with what you said about listening better--something I really try to remember to do. I feel like I can often tell by the eyes if someone is paying close attention to what I'm saying.
All it takes is some good communication.
Mary, it would change the world.
Cat, yup!
Ruth, very true!
Thanks, Yvonne
Amy, very true - and I'm sorry, but I can't find your blog - when I click on your comment avatar it takes me to Google + - help!!!!
Lindi, the eyes are a great barometer for how well someone is paying attention.
Alex, yes, but it's a tall order.
Karen
So true! We let our egos get in the way thinking we know exactly what someone is saying...instead of really listening. Great post!
I really hate it when I'm misunderstood. I usually feel like the fault is mine for not communicating clearly, but sometimes I think people aren't really listening either. And I know I'm guilty of this sometimes as well.
It's most difficult I think on the blogs and forums where everything relies on the written word. In truth, so much of our communication as humans comes from facial expressions and gestures, which are obviously missing in this format. It can sometimes lead to misunderstanding.
Thank you so much for stopping by!
Your post is so true...I recognize myself in your post - I am the one who is thinking her own thoughts instead of listening...
Stopping by for the A-Z challenge!
Imagine how wonderful life would be if there were more understanding. Fantastic post Karen!
Understanding takes effort - it's an active response, and most people are passive.
Indeed! Understanding and compassion go hand in hand.
Wonderful post on a very important topic. I think I spent much of my childhood misunderstanding my mom. That is much better now. : )
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