25. Walking 10 Steps

Even in the small circle of my contacts, I notice the uniqueness of each individual. So how can I understand what they experience without actually walking at least ten steps in their shoes? Actors take on many roles in their lifetime and perhaps the very best must have lived in the shoes of the personalities and characters of the role they portray.  We on the other hand, are unable to do this and as a result, are too quick in seeing faults when there may be none.

I know from my own experience the twists and turns that my life has taken me on. And each bend in the road has brought me lessons that have shown wonderful highs and depths of despair unique to me. These are the very circumstances and situations that have made me into who I am today. The same is true for every other person in my sphere. Yet, it is so easy to forget and effortlessly slip into making judgements about them, just as they do about me.

Why are we quick to judge? To my mind, it reveals more about my own insecurities and lack of self-awareness. Only when I am able to tap into my own resident treasure trove of experience, am I able to understand and come in with empathy and compassion. Perhaps then I will not need to walk the journey in someone else’s shoes before I can support them in silent wisdom.