The Art of relating

In Social situations I am often amazed by people that seemed compelled to dig up stories of past experiences, dust them off and present them, one after another, seemingly just to fill the space, thinking you will find every detail as fascinating as when they experienced it for the first time.

It is a rare individual that stops, really looks at someone, acknowledging their presence and inquires, in a genuine and interested way, about this unique and yet to be discovered, person that is now before them.

Then there are those that take the opportunity of your presence to complain about all that is not working in their lives.

I think there is a true art to creating an intimate, real, experience of connecting with those you encounter.

I am delighted that there is currently a focus on presence, and I look forward to experiencing that in my relating with people. To stop, and really experience the other's essence.

Perhaps my real challenge is to be present and delight in the unique being I encounter, regardless of their stories, or complaining. Setting aside my judging mind, accepting and embracing them as they are.