This is a challenge. It’s very hard to see things differently when we are offended or in pain surrounding something, but it can be done. It is certainly easier to change your perspective if you have been praying and meditating.
When you experience another person acting or saying something offensive, try to remember that they may be acting that way because they are in pain, whether they realize it or not. Of course that doesn’t mean you become a doormat. Not saying something will only be enabling them in continuing that type of behavior. If you can say your piece without challenging them or escalating the situation, that could help them, but you have to use your gut instinct about the situation at hand. It will do no one any good to argue with an arrogant person or someone who is not in their right mind. I think you get the picture.
Sometimes, seeing things differently is simply not reacting right away. A saying to remember is “How important is it?” Do you have to react to everything that happens around you? Right now? Can you stop and try to see the other persons point, or remember that they too are individuals and have their own way of thinking and dealing with situations?
So one of the ways that will help us change our perspective is by not reacting right away, if you don’t have to. Another way is remembering that maybe that person is in pain and is unable to help him/herself at that moment.
And yet another way is to try and see something good in that person who might be offending you. Try to remember that they, too, have Spirit within.
A good way to start practicing this might be in nature or even at work. If in nature, try to see something new; try to see the beauty about you differently. When you look at a gigantic tree, try to see all that it took for that tree to reach that size, or maybe it’s a waterfall; can you imagine all the little streams and creeks, the melting of snow and all it took to make that powerful water gush down that fall? At work, try to find something that you are grateful for and might not have really considered before. It could be something as simple as a water fountain/cooler.
Changing our perspective will allow us to see things differently, which is very important for Spiritual Recovery.
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