Misunderstandings can, and usually do, determine our behaviour.

Here is a perfect example of what I mean.

There was a particular teacher at the school I attended, she was renowned for being moody.

And usually a cranky mood would waft wiht her into our classroom each day.

To boot she had a high pitched voice, so we girls would already be panicking before she arrived.

We all thought of her as somewhat of a meanie. And most of us had felt the lash of her acid tongue.

One day, before class I had to go to the bathroom and so was rushing down the long timber corridor praying I’d get back in time before Miss C arrived for the science lesson of the day.

I had just got to the end and turned the corner when I ran full pelt into Miss C . I said “I’m sorry, Miss C, please excuse me".

“Don’t excuse me please”she replied and continued on the way to class ( I was going to be late!)

I was panicking and upset at the thought of it all and at the ripe old age of 13 I didn’t stop to think of her words carefully enough, I took them at face value.

Now that I reflect on that experience as an adult, I’m now completely certain Miss C said “ No, excuse me”. She was being polite.

The point is that I witnessed that event with a complete misunderstanding.

I’d immediately judged Miss C as being her usual caustic self.

This in turn created a belief which became a bias, which then continued to distort my view of the poor woman.

In other words I judged her wrongfully and that preconceived notion remained till then end of my school days, and long after.

This simple example of the life experience I have shared with you, clearly shows the connection between our thinking and our behaviour.

Unlearning unhealthy beliefs and behaviour is the first step to reaching that moment of “deep realisation” as it filters into your awareness and changes you view of things for the better.

Be kind always

Love Elizabeth x

Misunderstood Words and Actions