LET ME LIVE A DAY IN YOUR LIFE



   

 

In life, another person’s problems are, always, another person’s problems!


To understand other peoples’ problems, we have to place ourselves in their situations. We have to empathize with them.


In our daily life, most of our conflicts arise due to this lack of empathy… our inability to place ourselves in others’ situations…


We only wish others to understand our situations… We only wish others to empathize with us.


“Seek first to understand; then to be understood.” In his path-breaking book, ‘Seven Habits of Highly Effective People’, Stephen R. Covey has placed empathy as the fifth important habit for effective living. According to the author, this habit is the key for good communication, and, therefore, the remedy for our daily conflicts arising out of misunderstandings.


All our reactions come from lack of empathy. Period.  Our impatience is rampant at our own homes… with our own people. And, it is so because that’s where we all take others for granted…


We fail to recognize their contributions…


We fail to recognize the difference they make to our lives…


We fail to acknowledge it, fail to thank enough…


On the contrary, our impatience only makes the situation worse… Our reactions strain the communication… and, rob the joy of good relationship.


Yes, it happens so rampantly…


It happens in our so-called fast life…


And, it happens where, in deed, it shouldn’t… Where patience and empathy are most needed.


Every time, I think about what Mr. Covey has counseled, I am left only speechless. Just imagine this: If I seek first to understand another person, and do it very, very sincerely, is there a need to be understood?


I really feel, there isn’t any need to be understood…


The habit of seeking to understand another person doesn’t easily come to us. But, then, it is there as one of the most proactive acts which we can do for our own well-being. Tough, yes, But, worth inculcating…


A win-win habit as Mr. Covey loves to call it…


The Idea ads make most of us smile… even cry. Here is my favorite:


 


 



“Just live one day of my life and you will understand my situation!”

 


Well, why one day, a moment may, in deed, do…

 


“Let me make tea for you, now.”


“You relax, dear; I will make it for both of us!”


 


GERALD D’CUNHA


Pic.: Malabika Ganguly

Comments

Mishra Raghav said…
Simple idea! Great idea! Loved the post. Mishra
June 5, 2013 at 6:19 PM
Anonymous said…
Keep inspiring sir.
- Himesh
June 5, 2013 at 7:36 PM
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