Relations

We often hear the words people say without understanding everything they’re trying to express. Beneath every interaction are unspoken feelings, assumptions, histories, and possibilities. Learn to listen beyond the words, allow room for difference, and become a little more honest with one another.

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Every relation-ship serves us, consciously and unconsciously.

Beyond the surface exchanges are the aftershocks, ripples, later revelations, and issues brought to the surface… not all of which are helpful or worth exploring through direct interaction.

Introvert: may prefer to think things through, or avoid thinking about them altogether; needs time to process; doesn’t always do well feeling out loud, being put on the spot, or in the company of assholes.

Many challenges arise when we try to articulate the maelstrom of thoughts, feelings, ideas, beliefs, preferences, and choices bubbling within us. Finding the words to communicate all of that effectively is no small task.

In an individualistic culture rife with defensiveness, entitlement, narcissism, self-importance, fear-mongering, intellectual suppression, and emotional insecurity, our words quickly become expressions of anger, pity, shame, and impatience, often with little consideration for others.

Were we more telepathic, better able to share and understand one another viscerally and in real time — to hold space, intuit, listen deeply, and empathize — many of these difficulties might dissolve. We’d likely become more productive, inclusive, and mutually supportive, resolving disagreements and forming genuine, trustworthy connections more readily.

Until we develop that kind of communicative fluidity, it’s up to each of us to strive for less bullshit and more substance; less conniving, manipulation, and malevolence; more trust, authenticity, clarity, and ultimately, peace.

Be real.

Audi alteram partem