Tag: Philip Dodson

A moment in their shoes

Posted on by philipdodson

img_9319

Before we jump to blame others or wait for them to be different, stop and understand them.

Empathy is a thing that is so missing from our culture. We are taught to bury emotions, be tough, soldier on. Therefore, we only extend sympathy at best to others. Most often we judge, blame, or get angry or irritated with other people.

A moment spent appreciating the other person’s environment, experiences, and position is one of the most valuable moments we can spend. It stops criticism, judgement, and knee-jerk reactions. Reduces irritation, anger, and hate.

It’s amazing to be able to truly understand others, to realise that they are only trying to do their best. That does not mean we accept everything that others do, but even if their actions are wrong, we are better placed when we understand and empathise.

Walk a moment in their shoes, feel for them, appreciate their situation, before doing anything.

Gingerbread houses and the meaning of Christmas

Posted on by philipdodson

img_9310

So, just a week to go to the annual plastic consumption and food gorging fest that Christmas has come to be for so many in the rather laughable titled ‘developed’ world.

People consume more food in a few days than they normally would in two weeks, we spend more money than we often really have, we buy gifts that no one really needs and give them to people who already have more than they will ever need.

We then spend January going on detoxes, diets and trips to the local tip to get rid of all the plastic from last Christmas to make space for this year’s trinket downpour.

Somewhere before this madness and over consumption, there was a meaning to Christmas for most, and to me, it has never been about religion, it is always about spending time with the people who matter and having fun, taking a break from the day-to-day, switching off, having a laugh and doing things together with family and friends.

Today, my daughter and I spent time building gingerbread houses together and laughing as the roof slid off my house. That’s what Christmas means to me.

What does Christmas mean to you?