It wasn’t too long ago. I was traveling and was boarding my domestic flight with a bit of a full bag, and while I hate to be the person trying to stuff their oversized luggage in the overhead compartment, the thing I dislike more is checking my luggage.
On this particular flight, as I was doing this, there was a woman giving me a dirty look and smirking at me, which she did several times.
And, as I got off the plane, I thought of the saying we used when we were kids, “I’m rubber, and you’re glue. Whatever bounces off me sticks to you.” and how something we didn’t think too much of as kids can be so hurtful and untrue.
You see, our bodies make us feel like we’re separate beings, and while we came down here to have our own individual experiences and create our own worlds, the truth of the matter is really what you’re saying or doing to another individual, you’re really doing to yourself and we are all connected.
It’s time we started acting like it.
Below are a few ways we can start to shift out of our old conditioning and into our truth.
1. See yourself in someone else.
Whether it’s a stranger or your boss, when you’re having a difficult situation with them, can you find one thing about them that you like, or at a minimum, can relate to? While this one can be hard, it can be so helpful in shifting a difficult relationship or moment.
2. Choose compassion.
Can we agree, at most times, most people are doing the best they can? I know I am, and I bet you are too. So, in the moments when you’re feeling frustrated, can you find compassion for that person who is running late or disorganized for that meeting? While it may not always be easy, the opposite isn’t getting you anywhere except frustrated.
3. Be kind.
There’s something beautiful that happens when we show kindness. If you’re questioning this, think of a time when you received unexpected kindness and love from a stranger. How’d it feel? My point exactly. 🙂 And, if you’re still not convinced, take one moment to think about how your body feels when you feel dislike versus liking someone. (If you want to test this, close your eyes and think of someone you don’t like. Just notice what happens in your body. Now think of someone you like or love. Notice the difference.) That being said, if you can’t do it for them, do it for yourself. 🙂
What do you think of the above? Is this something you could see yourself trying out? I’d love to know! Comment below.
To rubber and glue sticking together!
Deb