In so many instances we forget to look past the surface when we look at others. We forget that each one of us has fears and vulnerabilities. When we fail to recognize this, by only seeing the surface of what is in front of us, we also don't think about the impact that our words and actions may have on another person.
We make incorrect judgments based on a surface image that is built of puzzle pieces. These puzzle pieces are comprised of everything from job, clothing, manner of speech, and physical appearance - to even words spoken by the person themselves. But regardless of how many pieces you may be able to collect, they still do not add up to the sum of the person.
What you are missing is the true foundation of what the puzzle is built upon, beneath the surface of the pieces.
If we could only do this, it would allow us to stop and think - before we judge, before we speak mean words, and before our actions can hurt.
It reminds me of a poem that I read many years ago that I continue to keep in the forefront of my mind even today, called 'Please Hear What I Am Not Saying' by Charles C Finn. If you haven't read it, follow the link and I'm certain that you will be just as touched, and amazed as I am still today.
Mr. Finn says, " I give you the impression that I'm secure, that all is sunny and unruffled with me, within as well as without, that confidence is my name and coolness my game, that the water's calm and I'm in command and that I need no one, but don't believe me. My surface may seem smooth but my surface is my mask, ever-varying and ever-concealing. Beneath lies no complacence. Beneath lies confusion, and fear, and aloneness. But I hide this. I don't want anybody to know it."
Truly, if I could share this poem with the world, I would shout it from mountaintops for the rest of my days.
This sounds a bit extreme, you might say. Yes, maybe so.
It's possible that it's because I have been there, but then again, haven't we all?
It's also possible that I feel so strongly about this because other people's pain touches me so deeply. This is made even more difficult by the fact that I seem to be a person to whom others come to for support, advice, and guidance; and through these experiences, it makes me realize just how much pain and heartache could be avoided if only people could get past "I" and look beneath the surface before they act.
This holds true in not only avoiding actions that hurt, but by taking the time to really see - really listen, we could reach out in kindness and make a positive difference in somebody's day or life.
So please ...
Look beneath the surface and hear what they are not saying.
We make incorrect judgments based on a surface image that is built of puzzle pieces. These puzzle pieces are comprised of everything from job, clothing, manner of speech, and physical appearance - to even words spoken by the person themselves. But regardless of how many pieces you may be able to collect, they still do not add up to the sum of the person.
What you are missing is the true foundation of what the puzzle is built upon, beneath the surface of the pieces.
If we could only do this, it would allow us to stop and think - before we judge, before we speak mean words, and before our actions can hurt.
It reminds me of a poem that I read many years ago that I continue to keep in the forefront of my mind even today, called 'Please Hear What I Am Not Saying' by Charles C Finn. If you haven't read it, follow the link and I'm certain that you will be just as touched, and amazed as I am still today.
Mr. Finn says, " I give you the impression that I'm secure, that all is sunny and unruffled with me, within as well as without, that confidence is my name and coolness my game, that the water's calm and I'm in command and that I need no one, but don't believe me. My surface may seem smooth but my surface is my mask, ever-varying and ever-concealing. Beneath lies no complacence. Beneath lies confusion, and fear, and aloneness. But I hide this. I don't want anybody to know it."
Truly, if I could share this poem with the world, I would shout it from mountaintops for the rest of my days.
This sounds a bit extreme, you might say. Yes, maybe so.
It's possible that it's because I have been there, but then again, haven't we all?
It's also possible that I feel so strongly about this because other people's pain touches me so deeply. This is made even more difficult by the fact that I seem to be a person to whom others come to for support, advice, and guidance; and through these experiences, it makes me realize just how much pain and heartache could be avoided if only people could get past "I" and look beneath the surface before they act.
This holds true in not only avoiding actions that hurt, but by taking the time to really see - really listen, we could reach out in kindness and make a positive difference in somebody's day or life.
So please ...
Look beneath the surface and hear what they are not saying.
