I got forwarded this link, "How to see the humanity in anyone" (Practicing a form of ‘deep curiosity’ can help you connect with yourself and others, even if they’re on the ‘other side’) by Scott Shigeoka.
Here are the key points from the end of the thoughtful article:
- Practicing deep curiosity can help you connect with yourself and others. It’s not just intellectual; it’s about searching for understanding in a way that can stir your heart and spirit.
- Let go of your assumptions, biases and certainty. Deep curiosity is a muscle you can strengthen, beginning with detaching yourself from the mental shortcuts that you usually rely on.
- Prepare your mindset and setting. Planning ahead for how you will act and speak in social situations can help you practise deep curiosity with greater intention.
- See the dignity of every person, including yourself. One way to do this is to ‘turn toward’ people – notice their bids for your attention and invite them to tell you more.
- Welcome the hard times in your life. It’s easy to fight or withdraw when you’re feeling overwhelmed. By learning to slow down and embrace your negative emotions, you’ll be better placed to recognise your own needs, find meaning in your experiences and connect with others.
More info at Greater Good and TED.