The Double-Edged Sword of Shared Truths
You’ve probably experienced the magic when someone articulates exactly how you’re feeling, and you think, “Yes, that’s it!” At that moment, the power of a shared truth elevates the understanding between two individuals. On the flip side, misaligned perceptions can be a bummer, no?
“Words are a pretext. It is the inner bond that draws one person to another, not words.” – Rumi
Collective Agreements: More Than Just a Social Contract
Human interactions run on a system of agreements, some spoken, many unspoken. Think of them as social contracts. If you voice a perception about someone and they agree, this mutual recognition amplifies the truth of that perception. But it’s not just about saying, “You’re X” and hearing, “Yes, I am X.” It’s also about the unspoken rules and shared vibes between people.
“The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance.” – Alan Watts
The Dynamics of Truth in Relationships
- Ebb and Flow: Truth isn’t static. It evolves as people evolve. Recognizing this dynamism is crucial.
- Questioning the Shared ‘Truth’: Sometimes what was once true no longer holds water. Don’t be afraid to reevaluate and question old truths.
“The truth you believe and cling to makes you unavailable to hear anything new.” – Pema Chödrön
Building Consensus
- Explicit Verbalization: Saying it out loud matters. Your voiced perceptions bring ideas from abstract to reality.
- Nonverbal Cues: Subtle signs like a nod or a smile can also act as confirmations of shared truths.
“The simplest things are often the truest.” – Richard Bach
When Perceptions Clash: The Grace of Letting Go
Sometimes, your truth isn’t their truth. Maybe you think your friend is a great listener while they see themselves as a chatterbox. When a voiced perception meets disagreement, what then?
“We don’t see things as they are, we see them as we are.” – Anais Nin
The thing to do here is simple but oh-so-hard—let it go. Don’t glue yourself to your viewpoint. Letting go doesn’t weaken your perception; it shows your respect for the dynamism of truth.
How This Informs Affirmations
Affirmations are not just personal mantras; they can be collective reinforcements. When shared and agreed upon, they gain power. It’s like doubling down on positivity. A group affirmation could look like:
“In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.” – Martin Luther King Jr.