Oftentimes our experiences will dictate our perceptions. Bad experiences can cause rifts in our relationships such as with family, friends or even co-workers.
In this episode of Be Crazy Well, Suzi shares the nuances of family dynamics and how past experiences can cloud our perceptions, sometimes creating difficulties in relationships. She discusses strategies to look beyond these differences, especially during family gatherings or holidays, aiming to foster connections that are deeper and more meaningful.
How past experiences can cloud our perceptions – One Strategy that Would Work for you
“I tell people all the time when they have to go home and they say, “No, I have to go home and I dread it. My dad and my mom, my sister, my brother, my uncle, you know, my ex.”
I hear that a lot. And I said, do you ever go to a movie theater, watch a movie and take it personally? And they say “Like, what do you mean? Of course not. You know, I’m just watching.” And I said, do you get some pleasure from that movie and you get some fear and you get some sadness? Have you ever cried at a movie about people you don’t know?
And it’s fictional. And they say “of course” That’s because you’re able to watch it without taking it personally. What you are taking in is the connections that human beings have with joy, fear and sadness. So, you watch this movie, you get all wrapped up in the character and what’s happening to them and what’s going on, even the villains.
And then you walk out of the theater, and you may talk about it, you may even tell people to watch that movie, but you don’t sit there and go, “WOW, that person just dissed me. That character, that villain just did that to me.” Of course you don’t. So, I’m wondering, would it be possible to sometimes go back into family, go back into friendships?
And watch them as if they’re a movie.”
Listen into the full episode to see how a Veteran that Suzi works with used this very technique to help reset his perception of others. Learn how to observe others without judgment and focus on the joy that you might share with someone else rather than your differences.
Listen to EP:86 Be Crazy Well or visit us on our YouTube channel for the video version. Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss all of our great podcast episodes.
