Celebrating differences is a choice. When two people relate to each other in this manner, they become a powerful force for peace in the world. When there is no undercurrent of criticism, you can have an attitude of openness. This is where the feeling of connection comes from.
Coming to terms with the fact that people are different from you can be a challenge. An important way to treat differences is to see their benefits. They bring diversity and broaden the possibilities available to you. They add to what you have, rather than taking away.
You don’t need to feel tension around differences when you are on the same side and both want the best possible outcome. Even when handling bigger issues, know you can find a way to handle things that will make both of you feel right about it.
When you have an initial negative reaction to other people, move closer to an attitude of embracing them as a first response. This is the way of acceptance, non-judgment and the joyful appreciation of what others have to say and how they express it.
We are firm believers that we can change the world by spreading peace one relationship at a time. What seems to make a profound difference is the true understanding that we are all unique individuals and at the same time we are all connected in a familial way.
PHIL: We say that the essence of a successful relationship is having similar core values; recognizing that everyone is a unique individual, and joyfully accepting those differences; and a non-confrontational approach to handling differences. There are a number of other …
Three Ways That Help to Create a Peaceful Relationship Read more »
You can move towards the goal of creating peaceful relationships through a firm belief in the possibility and a clear intention to do so, especially with those with whom you share matching core values. You are also able, by working on yourself, to greatly affect the dynamic of any interaction.
MAUDE: As we write this first blog of the new year, we are posing the question of what goes into a growing fruitful relationship, one where the values of peace and harmony are primary for both parties within the relationship. …
Why It’s Important to Look Beyond Relationship Differences to Your Own Reactions Read more »
Your attitude, the position you come from in an exchange, can dramatically change the outcome. In all your relationships, the issue of whether you put your attention toward similarities or differences plays a big part in whether those relationships are …
How Looking at Similarities Rather Than Differences Improves Your Relationships Read more »
PHIL: In our book, individuality and acceptance have different chapters, but as we came to put together a course, we found that the two are so intertwined that we needed to put them together into a single session. So today …
How Can Relationship Differences Lead to Peace, not Anger or Resentment? Read more »