“More smiling, less worrying. More compassion, less judgment.
More blessed, less stressed. More love, less hate”
Roy T. Bennett.
One important thing I learned in life is understanding. Understanding people, their situation and the circumstances they go through, is a vital key in human relations. I believe that it is better to understand than to be understood. It gives life less stress thus, improved well-being. This is one of the seven habits of highly effective people espoused by bestselling author Steven Covey.
Understanding is a need because we deal with people every day. If you take time to understand people, the ones you relate with or your acquaintances, then you will know more about them, their personalities and you will be wiser in relating to them. You will learn why do they react in a certain manner or respond in a certain way. I’m no expert but I love observing people. In that way, I will adjust accordingly and relate to them more effectively and have more productive interactions.
I don’t like to collect enemies and sometimes you cannot avoid having one. But I’m doing all the best I can to have more friends and doing all my best to be friendly. That is why I’m doing my best to apply understanding in my daily life so that I can go home free from tension, pressure or anxiety as a result of relating to people.
Another reason why I advocate understanding in my own personal dealings with people is because of what the Bible tells me. It says, “For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there” (New King James Bible). This Biblical passage simply means, crimes and evil intentions arose out of people and they actually commit these dastardly acts because of envy, greed and selfish ambitions.
Therefore, conflicts arise because we do not learn to be content of what we have. We covet what others have even if we have limited resources. We put more priority on our own personal satisfaction without regard to whose foot we step on. Understanding ourselves is quite as important as understanding others. So we have to discipline ourselves as well. If we have more understanding, then we know whom to avoid, we can control our cravings and we can manage our dealings with people better.
Researches and studies have been done to determine the root causes of crimes. But the Bible addresses it simply. Evil acts are the products of envy and greed. And when these desires are not satisfied, they look for someone to blame. And if they choose to blame you, they accuse you, judge you, say all bad things about you just to justify themselves that they are right. If you have understanding, you don’t have to react. As per my experience, it is pointless to explain yourself. Their minds are fixed that they are correct and you are wrong.
If you keep your cool, you might be misjudged but you will learn your lesson and you will be wiser on your next encounter. And that is for you own benefit, not theirs. In due time, you will add more friends than enemies. Remember, no matter what organization you belong, understanding one another is the key to be more productive and effective.
