Subjective Reality


Miami - 
Somebody quipped the other day that while most people might say, "I think that stinks," New Yorkers have no problem simply proclaiming, "That stinks!"  End of discussion. 

Many folks have a hard time seeing beyond themselves and distinguishing between their opinions and objective reality. Geez, you think? Just look around.  

Of course, being able and willing to see things beyond our particular world views - however right, wrong or otherwise - is a superb measure of emotional intelligence. It's also the only way we'll ever evolve from our current moment of infantile tribalism. 

People seem mystified to learn that others have different views and approaches. To wit, the beloved Michael Pollan recently answered the standard FT Weekend travel question, "What's in your suitcase?" with an indignant retort, "Clothes. Isn't that what everyone has in their suitcase? What kind of question is that?" 

Even the brilliant Pollan could only see the answer in his terms. It reminds me of those moments before I deliver a speech when one woman in the audience invariably proclaims, "It's too cold in here!" Of course, the room is too cold for some, too hot for others and just right for the vast majority of attendees. She just can't see it that way and simply wouldn't account for others having different reactions to the same room temperature.

So how did others answer Michael Pollan's suitcase question? Well, their non-clothing items packed away included climbing equipment, leather rucksack, camera, mobile chargers, travel binoculars, books, Scrabble, notebooks and "as little as possible." Sorry, Michael, the world does not revolve around you. People do actually put non-clothing items in their suitcases. 

We have a long way to go, folks. Each of us can improve the journey, however, by actually listening to others, understanding their vantage point and engaging in appreciative inquiry while, at the same time, knowing the difference between objective and subjective realities.
Image courtesy of Reflections and Ruminations.