“Turn your face to the sun and the shadows fall behind you.” —Māori Proverb
Chinese Proverb
An Italian proverb says, “Few words are needed for a good listener.” When we listen to another we open our mind and heart to that person. By listening with our mind and heart we offer the speaker our deep respect. Through our listening the speaker understands that we value what he/she has to say.
There is an Australian proverb, “None are so deaf as those who would not hear.” I’ve been around these kinds of folks. If possible, get away from them as soon as possible. They’re toxic and they will drag you into the pit. When we associate with people with an open mind who are willing to engage in a dialogue the impossible quickly becomes the possible.
The poet, Matsuo Bashu, wrote, “Do not seek to follow in the footsteps of the wise. Seek what they sought.” It’s a common occurrence for people to place all their hopes and energy in one person. We see this all the time in politics. It’s as if they believe the person whom they place all their hopes in holds the keys to the doors to happiness, prosperity, and security. Instead, as Bashu suggests, it is better to seek what they are seeking if it is the good you are seeking.
A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.
~ Proverbs 10:11
