Several years ago I was experiencing unusual pain in my abdomen so my doctor referred me for scans.
The truth was, for the past year I had been working in a social program that involved hosting benefactors with catering included.
This led to eating more leftovers than I care to admit to and putting on extra kilos.
During the scan I lay on the bed watching the screen while the technician pointed out my organs working away, keeping me alive.
For the first time in my life I had insight into the wonderful factory of workers under my skin. It was an epiphany.
I silently apologised to my organs for abusing them and making their job harder than it needed to be.
I determined I was going to do better and I did. Gradually the pain left.
What motivated me to change? I saw for the first time and had a new appreciation for what was under the surface.
Philosopher Martin Buber said that we can have two perspectives when being with others- the “I-It” and the “I-Thou”.
The first perspective shallowly sees people as objects who either meet our needs or hinder us from what we want. We value others based on what they do or don’t do for us.
The “I-Thou” perspective sees each person more deeply. Seeing each person as similar to us, with their own needs, feelings and opinions.
Whether they are a partner, friend, colleague or someone in the grocery store, we see our common humanity and recognise that what unites us is greater than what divides us.
An “I-Thou” perspective spawns commitment to do better.
Just like my epiphany moment, commit to appreciating others more and to seeing them for who they really are.
