Wouldn’t it be nice if we were met without assumptions of our
person? Isn’t it nice that some of the presuppositions are correct? For
instance, it’s a relief to be known as a man, woman, caring, loyal, professional,
[fill in the religious affiliate here], and so on. I wouldn't want children throwing bread at me as if I were a pigeon at the local park. If there is a
misunderstanding the offense is a choice behavior, if the insult is deliberate
the blame goes to the deliverer. For both
instances, would it not be a wonderful endeavor for our first instinct when
looking at or meeting people for it to embracive in a curious and compassionate
way? Perspective is enhanced by the observer’s interaction. Let’s say we are learning by watching others. We gather
interactions of the individual alone and in social settings. We note the physical
changes and typical or atypical reactions. We’ve learned much. However, in
order to have a complete analysis of our observing senses we would need to
speak to them, smell their presence, which, in turn also engages the sense of taste as we inhale particle bits of their smell when it hits our tongue on the way to the lungs. We can embody empathy by the cooperation of shared senses. This may sound creepy or unfavorable for an introvert, but it’s meant to be an inspiration to
interconnect with our fellow earth mates more often. The outward projection is not always meant for a meet-and-greet scenario, but if a compassion mentality is present before the
introduction, the outcome becomes more enriched. It literally benefits the mind
to organize our thoughts in this way. Fine-tuning our discernible abilities
helps keep a healthy balance, or meshing, of compassion and
restraint. It’s at night in a dark alley that we are glad for our
presuppositions. But then again, that guy in a dark hoodie jacket, scruffy beard, and
wild eyes just wanted to know the direction to 9th Avenue because
he was late to his daughter’s dance recital. You’ve let go of the sharp object
in your pocket, but glad it was there… just in case.
Here’s a hilarious example of a misapplied social
perspective:
Also, more on the mind and compassion in Krista Tippet’s
podcast “Investigating Healthy Minds” with Richard Davidson:
Furthermore! A quote from Charlotte Brontë’s novel “Jane Eyre” that illuminates understanding:
“Do you think I
am an automaton? — a machine without feelings? and can bear to have my morsel
of bread snatched from my lips, and my drop of living water dashed from my cup?
Do you think, because I am poor, obscure, plain, and little, I am soulless and
heartless? You think wrong! — I have as much soul as you — and full as much heart!
And if God had gifted me with some beauty and much wealth, I should have made
it as hard for you to leave me, as it is now for me to leave you. I am not
talking to you now through the medium of custom, conventionalities, nor even of
mortal flesh: it is my spirit that addresses your spirit; just as if both had
passed through the grave, and we stood at God's feet, equal — as we are!”
