Chapter 31 of Hope: A User's Manual - About a month ago, I did a dumb - I did something that I am still not quite sure how I did it. I had put my backpack in the passenger seat of my car and went to close the door and managed to close the door on the tips of the first two fingers of my left hand. And I closed that door strongly enough that it actually fully closed with my fingers in it.
Sadly, I have to agree that people seem to be numb to many of the World’s problems. Or is just choosing not to even acknowledge them even something different? And this past week I was visiting with people I truly love with all my heart but I had to be so mindful of how I said many things because I was a guest and did not want to make hard feelings. And our viewpoints were as far apart as the sides of Grand Canyon. It really is mind boggling. I suppose each of us must try to be sure and look around to feel how others may feel. Very hard, even when constantly trying to be mindful.
Ouch, Ed. Today I was in the dentist’s recliner and the hygienist was using an ultrasonic devise that had a very VERY high pitched sound. My shoulders, I noticed, were nearly touching my ears. I lowered them, breathed deeply and exhaled, and relaxed my body. I remind myself OFTEN to breathe. You reminded our congregation on Sunday to BREATHE. One thing I’m trying to do as I interact with others? NOT INTERRUPT them, even with acknowledgment that I hear them or I agree. It’s taken me YEARS of intentionality not to interrupt. I dislike it so much that I do (a family trait I’ve worked to undo for YEARS). Even at 66, I sometimes still do it. 😔😔
Sadly, I have to agree that people seem to be numb to many of the World’s problems. Or is just choosing not to even acknowledge them even something different? And this past week I was visiting with people I truly love with all my heart but I had to be so mindful of how I said many things because I was a guest and did not want to make hard feelings. And our viewpoints were as far apart as the sides of Grand Canyon. It really is mind boggling. I suppose each of us must try to be sure and look around to feel how others may feel. Very hard, even when constantly trying to be mindful.
Ouch, Ed. Today I was in the dentist’s recliner and the hygienist was using an ultrasonic devise that had a very VERY high pitched sound. My shoulders, I noticed, were nearly touching my ears. I lowered them, breathed deeply and exhaled, and relaxed my body. I remind myself OFTEN to breathe. You reminded our congregation on Sunday to BREATHE. One thing I’m trying to do as I interact with others? NOT INTERRUPT them, even with acknowledgment that I hear them or I agree. It’s taken me YEARS of intentionality not to interrupt. I dislike it so much that I do (a family trait I’ve worked to undo for YEARS). Even at 66, I sometimes still do it. 😔😔