It is not uncommon that we have experienced disagreement and heated discussion with family and friends. We may even “unfriend” each other on social media. At this moment, we may feel lonely, isolated, hurt or even angry. If you are filled with these emotions, please let yourself slow down, and observe your emotions at the moment. Acknowledge and accept the existence of these emotions, gently tell yourself, “I’m really hurt” or “Right, I feel the anger.”
While enjoying free will and freedom of speech, disagreement is unavoidable. It’s common humanity to feel uncomfortable when not being understood or facing relationship ruptures. You may try to slow down your breathing, or place your hand onto your body part(s) that feel(s) uncomfortable. Let your breathing and hands’ temperature to make room for your pain at present moment. Let yourself feel being cared for.
You may place your hands onto your body part that is uncomfortable, feel the warmth of your palms, feel the sensations when your palms are in touch with this body part. You may also try to slow down your breaths, feel the air flowing into and out from this body part along with each inhalation and exhalation. If you wish, allow the discomfort or pain to be here, simply let yourself care for this body part, and feel being cared for.
Understanding and listening to each other with openness and respect, harmony in diversity is attainable. If change does not happen after making every effort, we could still face it with calmness and composure, and be kind to ourselves.
Last but not least, Sunshine At CUHK would like to share a famous quote:
God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.From “Serenity Prayer” by Dr. Reinhold Niebuhr, an American Theologian
