“Respond; don’t react. Listen; don’t talk. Think; don’t assume.”
Today’s quote by Raji Lukkoor sounds like common sense, yet we don’t always follow it.
When we are upset, we react instead of taking the time to think about a measured response. We try to explain and justify, even if it would be more helpful to hear the other person out and listen to their side of the story. We make assumptions and go down a rabbit hole without realizing that there are explanations we didn’t think of.
An effective dialogue demands to step back for a moment to listen, to think, and to respond. It requires to take each other’s words, feelings and actions into consideration.
What do we gain from such a dialogue? Genuine understanding, mutual respect, and a more balanced relationship.
Wishing you a week filled with considerate interactions!
Christine
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