This photo of a hand and its shadow is taken by my friend, Inga. It infused a lot of thoughts in me when i saw it. A helping hand, a hand grappling in the dark, a saving hand, a friendly hand, a warm, soft hand ... I thought the photo was a honest reflection of someone who has so much strength in her, although sometimes lost, sometimes confused .. :o)
Honesty. Such a simple word. But not many appreciates it. Some find it easier to embrace it, others avoid it. I think to be fair to myself, I have to be honest. Look at the person in the mirror and examine her well - every nook, every curve, every corner. appreciate how God had given her a face, a smile, a body, hands and legs to move, and a mind to think. Acknowledge that she is not perfect in person despite the flawless physique. Take ownership of her self growth and take responsibility of her mistakes. Love her as who she is; in and out.
It amuses me when i meet people who do not know how to deal with my bluntness. I take a step back and look at them and wonder what goes in their head. Why is it so hard to call a spade "a spade"?
Studies say there are four levels in communication. The first is the meeting. The two persons are cordial, reveal basic information of themselves ie name, where they live, their education background, profession, office ... The second level is acquaintance. After the basic info, they discuss more general topics, ie the weather, the stock market, their colleagues, bosses, and sometimes more personal stuff like their hobbies, favourite book/movie/music, etc ..
When the persons felt more comfortable with each other, they move on to the third level. They express thoughts, ideas and opinions of various issues; what irks them, what facinates them. Finally, if they turn out to be couples, they share the fourth and final level of communication - intimacy. They share emotions, aspirations, dreams and hopes, and they want the other person to take part in some of them.
Most of the time, i look for the third level of communication with people. because at the end of the day, what interest me is what goes in their heads. imagine the kind of ideas that i can accummulate when people could share that with me and vice versa. unfortunately i don't get to meet many of such people who can be opened in the first few meetings. most of the time, they feel more comfortable talking about their colleagues, job and bosses, which of course is not a bad thing since it is a safe topic.
Quite hard to meet like-minded people these days. it's either m too complicated or m old fashioned, or i just expect too much from people ;o) Oh well ... i guess because it is so hard to meet like-minded people that i'm always so thrilled when i finally meet some :D
