How do you see people?
I was listening to a Ram Dass CD on my return from Miraval and one of the things he discussed was the channels that we tune into when we see people. That’s not a very clear statement, but let me explain.
If we see people on Channel One – we are looking at them and judging them by their appearance. We judge their weight, their size, their hair color, their clothes, their unlaced tennis shoes, their funky clothes, their hair cut, their tattoos. And we assume things, based on their appearance.
If we see people on Channel Two – we are looking at them and judging them by their position. So a politician has more importance than a gas station attendant, a professor has more importance than a student, a CEO has more importance and more power than an IT tech. We give more importance to the higher ranking person without looking within to the person inside.
If we see people on Channel Three – we are studying them and reacting to their personality styles. Some people are timid and shy, others are bullish and order giving. Some people are emotional and expressive. Some people are cerebral and thoughtful. Others are accommodating and accepting. Still others are type A personalities and get a lot done, while their counterparts are slower to experience life and more easy going. We judge people on their style and decide whether we like them or not depending on their style.
If we see people on Channel Four – we see their souls and there is no judgment. We know that they are kindred souls on this planet, just like we are. If we see their souls, it doesn’t matter what their outward appearance looks like. If we see their souls, it doesn’t matter what position they hold in the economic environment. If we see their souls, it doesn’t matter how their personality style presents. If we see their souls, it only matters that they are a soul just like we are and that they are here, on this planet, doing the best that they can do.
How do you look at people?