We're a highly opinionated society. There's no lack of opportunity to express our views on an endless list of topics, whether mundane or urgently important. But do we really know what we're talking about? Are we more interested in being clever and scoring points than engaging in meaningful discussion? Do we get stuck in the rut of our own 'expertise' which often thinks it knows more than it actually does?
We definitely need to think critically and to exercise our power of discernment. These are crucial skills and practices. However, all too often, what we are doing is imposing our own experiences, beliefs, fears and prejudices on people and events that we in fact know very little about. This can lead us to make hurtful, inaccurate and dismissive snap judgments that cause us to close our hearts and to widen the gap between ourselves and others. This kind of judgment needs to soften.
One of the cornerstones of the practice of mindfulness is adopting a Beginner's Mind. This means being willing to see things as if for the first time, unencumbered by a constant stream of judging as good or bad, right or wrong, and reaction to our own judgment. The writer Anaïs Nin said it beautifully: We don't see things as THEY are; rather, we see things as WE are.
Join me to learn about how we can soften our judgment and engage in thought and action that anchors us in compassion, understanding and kindness towards ourselves and others.
This series is presented by Caroline Kohn, LL.B, RPC, MPCC. Caroline is a Public Speaker who has offered services in Psychological Counselling and Consulting for over 30 years. These talks are her reflections from her professional and personal experience.
The series is presented mostly in English, but Caroline takes questions and comments in French.
Also check out other Arts events in Shediac, Literary Art events in Shediac, Nonprofit events in Shediac.
