Reflections

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  1. Racel W.

    More grace would be given to those that cross my path. I would be less guarded and perhaps find more opportunities. I think i would have more grace towards myself as well.

    2 years ago
  2. Don Jones

    Mmmm, perhaps no assumptions. Just be completely open and available to what is. Putting the “me” aside creates a space for what is.

    2 years ago
  3. Rabbit

    Thank you for the much needed dose of realism.

    2 years ago
  4. Mica

    ASS U ME – thanks for the chuckle, Javier 🙂

    2 years ago
  5. Mica

    One of my inlaws annoys me ‘excessively'[?] because she constantly interrupts. Finally I remembered that I also interrupt. Hopefully that will help me when we interact today – wish me luck! 🙂

    2 years ago
    1. Linda

      That is good insight! I hope it helps today.

      2 years ago
    2. Rabbit

      Oh, I do and I am prone to that too. Always opportunities to improve.

      2 years ago
  6. Erich617

    I am reflecting on what “the best” means because I think that could lead to assumptions about people’s motives or attitudes that would just be wrong. I could, perhaps, assume that everyone I meet wants to be the best version of themselves and is struggling with not always achieving that.

    2 years ago
  7. KC

    Assuming the absolute best in everyone would mean a return to a naive innocence that I am no longer willing or able to return to.

    I have not read much of James Baldwin, but I believe that is one of his critiques of the North American world view, that we are caught in a naive innocence. The movie Judy, about Judy Garland’s life story, captures some of this for me.

    I am not sure how to reframe the question…

    2 years ago
  8. Barb C

    I can be open to looking for and recognizing the best in someone else and be aware of my own assumptions or implicit biases. I generally greet or meet people with openness and optimism anyway. Thinking about their “best self” would add to this. I’m not going to go through the world without some level of situational awareness, though. When I rode my bike with its sign that reads #BlackLivesMatter #EndWhiteSilence past a Proud Boys protest at the state capitol I was on high alert for good reason. (I live in the capital city.)

    2 years ago
    1. Mica

      Congrats, Barb – that was brave of you! I guess it went at least more-or-less ok? 😐

      2 years ago
      1. Barb C

        You know, I pedal pretty fast when I’m on adrenaline! It was fine. I wasn’t there to engage but I did want to ride past with a visible statement. That sign is always on my bike anyway. I get more comments from people saying they like my sign then negative interactions, although I did have one rather “energized” conversation as I was parking it on a bike rack another day.

        2 years ago
  9. Charlie T

    I’m not sure about assuming the best, but I know I could be more open minded and less judgmental when meeting people. I grew up in a time and place where assuming the best, could expose you to harm. I think I prefer being open
    minded and letting peoples nature unfold. Seeing things and people as they are and not what I wish/hope they are, is always my goal.
    “When someone tells you who they are, believe them the first time”
    -Maya Angelou

    2 years ago
    1. Rabbit

      Sounds like wise thinking to me.

      2 years ago
  10. sparrow

    As naive as this sounds,
    I might get their best
    back.

    2 years ago
  11. c
    carol

    hmm– how to define best– maybe the idea- person is doing the best they can in this moment— suits. I’ve lost 16K assuming the best, or assuming the person was truthful. So, now, maybe the best that person could do at the time was to engage in fraudulent . behaviours. And the best I could do at the time was to not question motives. or behaviours. . What would change — I would be open to accepting that sometimes people may behave badly, hopefully without judging the person or their potential.

    2 years ago
    1. Barb C

      So sorry to hear someone took advantage of you that way. Your story exemplifies what’s wrong with the wording of this question.

      2 years ago
  12. Michele

    Funny because I am sure there are first impressions that contradict this question. What would change is having a positive outlook but ALWAYS trust your gut instinct – it is there for a reason.

    2 years ago
    1. Mica

      Gut instinct – that’s a good idea, Michele! 🙂

      2 years ago
  13. dragonfly

    I would not feel hurt, insulted or in any other way hard done to since I would assume that there was no malicious intent in any action. I would approach people like a happy puppy. Some would most likely think of me as very naïve and others would take advantage of that (and me). Overall, though, it might make life so much more pleasant for everybody.

    2 years ago
  14. Rabbit

    Like Dusty Su, my first response to this question was to say, “me.”

    Then realism strikes. If I see someone walking into the grocery store with a gun I am not going to assume the best about them. I saw a car in front of my library yesterday that had a license plate that said, “GUNS4U.” It is disappointing to me that this kind of thing is in our culture to such an extent. Fortunately, they were not at the library. Hard to assume the best.

    I was drawn to this practice because of the duality of recognizing that there is much dark and difficult in the world but there is also beauty and blessing. This question doesn’t seem to fit my perception that drew me here. I struggle with some of my Bible reading in the same way. Perhaps I am too literal in my interpretation and understanding of the questions and readings.

    2 years ago
    1. Mica

      Ah, Rabbit – most of the answers newer than yours also question this question! Your answer is a good one [I say, having read the newer answers] 🙂

      2 years ago
      1. Rabbit

        Thank you for the support Mica. 💁‍♀️

        2 years ago
    2. Barb C

      I’m in the same place. I seek to be more open and let go of assumptions. That doesn’t mean ignoring reality when it presents itself quite clearly.

      2 years ago
      1. Rabbit

        Thank you Barb. Nice to know I am not alone in this place.

        2 years ago
  15. Joseph McCann

    I was told a long time ago my an old rancher, funny I thought he was old at the time but am I his age now, that “Everyone you meet knows something that you do not.” That statement has helped me tremendously when out among humanity.

    2 years ago
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