BEING TOLERANT

Seems as though wherever I go these days there is a 'them vs. us' attitude and it offers the invitation for me to grow in fostering tolerance within myself, as well as, looking for commonalities instead of differences. 

Today, I resolve to:

·        Open my mind to listen to another’s point of view without immediate judgment.

·        Be curious about what it is that another person finds so compelling and convincing about their argument, (is it based on misinformation, past hurt, the need to win or be one up, fear or prejudice) what motivates this point of view?  It’s just so easy to judge.

·        Listen carefully to my own strong reactions. Know my own prejudices.  If I’m unable to recognize my own shadow, I will see and condemn it in another.  I know this is true.

·        Remain engaged in living with the questions of when to draw the line on tolerance and say NO MORE that’s injustice?  What if either way I turn someone is being treated in an unjust way?   Who is an expendable crewman?  Am I?  Are you?

·       Stay concious of the ways we are more alike than different.

It is so hard to cultivate tolerance in my heart.  I so easily believe my convictions about other’s convictions are the RIGHT ones.  I choose to keep an open mind and heart today even though it’s difficult, ask questions, listen, and look for commonalities.