"There is a great difference between knowing and understanding: you can know a lot about something and not really understand it." (Charles F. Kettering, American inventor)
Understanding
You can know a lot about yourself – but do you have a deep understanding of yourself. Taking this thought one step further… “You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view” Harper Lee (American Author)
Do you take the time to understand the people around you – your friends, significant partner, work colleagues, clients?
Compassion
During my meditation classes I talk a lot about compassion. The source of compassion lies within you. Having compassion toward yourself is the pathway to developing a deeper understanding of who you are. Reflect upon each day in a non-judgemental way and have compassion for any perceived limitations, especially when things don’t go according to plan. Set your aspirations with compassion, instead of setting yourself up for failure by establishing goals that are unrealistic.
Along with compassion – start to recognise your achievements and celebrate progress toward understanding yourself and knowing and having compassion toward others. Compassion and understanding can be developed through greater listening.
Listening
Listen to yourself – what are your thought patterns? Are they negative and self-recriminating or are they positive and compassionate. You have the power to adjust your thinking and eliminate old thoughts and beliefs that are holding you back. As you develop this insight – start to really listen to other people, in silence, without formulating your own agenda – your own idea of what you want to say next.
Listening in silence will enable you to better respond intuitively and contribute to the communication with greater insight.
Email me with you thoughts on understanding, compassion and listening:
julieannetimmns@gmail.com