I met a somebody. I heard him say something which wasn’t aligned with my thought process. I formed an opinion about that somebody. This is often what happens to us or with us. On a regular basis!

This week, as I encountered a similar scenario and these thoughts formed within my consciousness, I realised that we humans are programmed for this.

We constantly try and judge others. We fall prey to being inconsiderate about people with other things as well. About how they appear. Or what they wear. Or how they talk. And on and on…

It is not that we are doing this intentionally. Or with a mal-intent. It just happens.

And while most of the times, this is a fleeting feeling and doesn’t get carried forward, at times it can get retained and lead us in a different direction with respect to that person. May not be the best possible direction.

As I thought about all this, I realised that the only way to avoid this trap is by being conscious of this natural instinct and making an effort to be empathetic.

To give the other person a chance to explain herself fully without forming any opinion beforehand. To not judge her but to reserve our thoughts for later. To allow ourselves to understand her perspective before answering back.

That requires us to behave consciously in a deliberate manner. Something that can only happen with practice.

I am starting my practice now onwards. It will hopefully lead to more fruitful and engaging conversations for me and for others I interact with!