Teams and Goals

I feel sad reading through posts and comments on social media when I notice that people are not hearing each other, so they resort to negative words and behaviors against each other even when they’re on the same team.

I see people becoming further divided because they’re saying or doing things differently from each other, and neither is backing down from trying to make the other person be the same as them even if they’re in agreement on an issue.

I see people using fallacies to accuse each other of behaviors or personal views.

I see people using negative, unhealthy tactics against each other, which only creates further division.

I see people who cannot get past their own ego in order to step into another perspective.

I see people committed to misunderstanding.

On positive notes, I also see people shining brighter.

I see people using sound logic.

I see people using positive, healthy behavior and words whether they’re in agreement or disagreement on an issue.

I see people who at least try to understand another point of view.

I see people committed to comprehension.

Pick a current topic – racism, coronavirus, etc – and all of the aforementioned are present.

I’ve learned that I’m a “big picture” person. Sometimes I receive dismissive feedback for being myself – a peacemaker, such as my posts, We are Not Helpless and 16 Approaches to Equality, as well as my page, Being All-Zen-and-Shit. I let it go because just like emotions, people naturally experience and process the world the way they’re “wired” and from their own point of view.

For me, peace is active support of the positive, loving existence. People who do not understand this may be committed to their opinion that peace is passive and neutral; however, my purpose on the planet does not include trying to change anyone’s views. It’s not even my place to “defend” myself for their choice in how to perceive me.

When I use “love” in how I approach life, or anything for that matter, I mean it as what may be a combination of the Greek philosophers’ types of love. I interact with the world from a place that fosters and nurtures compassion, empathy, kindness, and love even during disagreements. I practice this at the personal level whether it’s between me and one person or a group.

Love languages. I’ve mentioned them in other posts. It’s the idea that we “speak” different love languages, but sometimes we miss someone else’s expression of love because they’re not “saying” it the way we would, which is the way we expect to receive it. And love languages go beyond romantic couples or parents and children when you consider all types of love.

When we are open to hearing each other and understanding each other’s language, personality, or other factor that makes each of us unique, we may have a better chance at respectfully working with each other towards a common goal.

When we bring our authentic selves to the team, our energy is better directed at working towards the goal instead of disagreeing on how to work.

If you’re growing tired, align yourself with who YOU are and work the way you were meant to contribute to this world. The world needs you as you are and not as someone else thinks you should be.

Luceat lux vestra.