But can I ever truly know? Or is it chasing wisps of smoke that keep slipping through my hands whenever I close my fist?
I have found some comfort lately in res ipsa loquitur, "the thing itself speaks" (or more often translated "the thing speaks for itself.") Actions of others (and of myself) can speak the words that I will never hear, or say.
I want to start to accept more what someone does as a true indicator of what they meant to say. Even if someone is unsure or conflicted, I need to hold him or her capable of coming to terms within themselves, and to define the correct course of action. I need this for myself as well, and let my actions speak my words so that I am not unclear or misunderstood.
My actions should be the best indicator of my life’s direction.
Well... here's my 5 cents. (It's inflation, that's what it costs now, don't blame the messenger).
ReplyDeleteI think it's easy to over-analyze, to attempt to dig too deep to find meaning. In the effort to divulge what the underlying sentiment or meaning is, it's easy to miss the indicators that mere observation would have provided.
I find I become less capable of being an equal partner in a conversation if I'm spending undue effort figuring out what someone is saying. I miss what they are saying, and my responses to their comments are either inappropriate to the conversation or confuse the listener. It's a downward spiral that's hard to recover from.
What I have found works for me, is to take everything others say to me as exactly what it appears to be, that frees me to listen intently and answer intelligently. It's an ongoing process though, as later statements can show falsehood, and their subsequent actions certainly can.
It's like most things in life, I take them at face value, continue to interact and observe without preconceptions, and build an image in my mind, over time, of the honesty and sincerity of the people I interact with. Certainly, let their actions confirm or deny the veracity of their words, but don't delve too deep, let the words also speak for themselves. Confirmation should come after the fact I believe, so you can truly be a participant in the conversation.
It's sort of like looking through a camera lens to take a picture of a beautiful flower, then realizing when the image is developed, there was a smiling leprechaun standing next to it. :-) If your focus is too tight or concentrated, you can miss the beauty and wonder that can come from others lips. You could also miss the asp, though it appears obvious as it exits the lips. Listening... is the best way to hear, or so it seems.