Ask yourself the following questions:
When did you first realize that everyone wasn't alike? What can you learn from your own story and those of others? What has shaped us? Them?
As teachers, each of us brings something different to our classes. To reflect on 'what we bring', think about the following:
My Story:
What IS your story? What have you experienced? What is included in your autobiography? You can begin writing by answering the questions found under "My Story".
Your Story:
What are your personal beliefs about others? Do you think they see things the way you do? Do you try to 'see things' from the viewpoint of others in your life? Do you have any pre-conceived attitudes toward some people or prejudices? Click on "Your Story" to assess your thought about another person's humanity.
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On the link below, you are given a tool with which you can assess some of your feelings and beliefs. The document is called Way of Being and can help you to identify how your external persona behaves and thinks, while also reflecting on some underlying beliefs. It is a tool to asses your self-awareness when thinking of others.
Perhaps you might consider the above questions when thinking about a person you find hard to 'tolerate'. Describe that person. After you have described that person, think about two things that you can appreciate about him or her. This can prove to be difficult, but it can help you see 'the other side' of that person. There is a story behind the behavior.
The presenters at the weekend seminar discussed the importance and value of silence. In other words, they suggested listening to another's story without comment-just listen.
Also below are two word documents. The first shows a blank form depicting a 'way of being' on the surface (what we show others) and what we might be thinking 'beneath the surface' (either resistance or responsiveness). The second word document shows an example of how this tool can be used to better understand ourselves and others.
