Thursday, July 24, 2008

First-Aid Kit



Knowing our innate predispositions, and understanding our natural drives, perspectives, and inclinations, does not … in any way … immunize me against the effects of those characteristics. Oh No! All of the bruises and wounds that my individual nature is naturally susceptible to, I am readily vulnerable to. My preparedness (by virtue of my understanding of our natural temperaments), for our behaviours, neither shields me from, nor inoculates me against, those words and actions that flow from your Nature … and run contrary to mine.


So what good then, all of my knowledge and understanding (would be the expected question) does this awareness serve? Simply that, as I choose to see beyond the complex of our individual sets of fundamental differences … in order to permit Love to flourish between our eternal Spirits … I can prepare myself for those inevitable incidents of wounding and hurt. As I am aware of our disparate Personality traits … I can ready my triage of remedies to heal my anticipated injuries. This … and this alone … is the long-term benefit of knowing our Temperament/Personality types. That I may have my ’first-aid kit’ always in readiness for those instances when you unconsciously, and quite naturally, allow those traits that are quite understandable and normal … to flow freely. And I experience all … that is the natural conflict between your perspectives, and mine … that clashes in (what I feel as) an injurious collision, of malice-free disharmony.

I have learned that my feelings will, rarely, be hurt. I am fairly adept at navigating a course of conflict-free sailing. But when we run afoul of each other … and hurt occurs … too frequently, or is abusive … or if malice is, indeed, the root … I can withdraw from the Source of the clash. But I can NEVER change the natural temperament of any other person. I can only enjoy whatever span of moments we share ‘sailing the seas,’ of harmonious acceptance, together … in the bliss of mutual respect and compromise of desires … and relish that Gift, as the Gift of that moment … only. If that moment should meld into a span of moments flowing into days, years, and more … all the better! But I understand that I must, as a precaution against devastating surprise … keep my little set of understanding Awareness … my ’first-aid kit’ … available.

(Yes! … I was just reminded of this!)


16 comments:

Happy Elf Mom (Christine) said...

Too true! You can't change the other person, just your reaction to the situation. I think the things that sound the easiest are really the hardest to do... you know like love your neighbour and all that.

Though I *personally* find it's easier to take a slight against myself than my children, or see my kids involved in those interpersonal clashes. :]

John-Michael said...

So very painful to know that our children must pay some 'tuition' of pain, disappointment, and disillusionment in Life's schooling. How we would so like to give them a 'scholarship' that would save them the 'expense.' But ... alas.

Thank you, Dear Mrs. C, for your kind thoughts.

Lovingly ...

Anonymous said...

Have you been upset by someone? I cannot imagine anyone wanting to upset you, my friend. You are one of God's gifts to society. And we all love you.

I also have a first aid kit however. They do come in handy in my line of work.

CJ xx

John-Michael said...

Though I know full well that his natural inclination is reserved and calculated distance ... I was so in 'need' of enthusiastic support when I reluctantly reached out for help. And the resulting hurt was entirely due to my own hopes ... not any malice on his part. I know this. But the pain is, nonetheless, felt ... and requires healing.(as mentioned)

Your touch, Dearest CJ ... in the Presence of your generous, loving Spirit ... restores my Heart to its natural and comfortable rhythm. This is a blessing that I always (without hesitation) know to be your Gift.

I do love You ...

lime said...

a very good perspective to have. injurious collision that is malice-free. good words to remember too....it's so easy to read malice into those collisions when none was intended.

John-Michael said...

Thank you, Sweet Lime, for your encouraging voice. It took me a while to reassemble these awarenesses. So I thought, "Well ... maybe (since I've had to gather this set of understanding once again) maybe someone else can find some merit in the ideas." Hence, the post.

'Sure do love You, Dear Friend ...

Kissing of the Frogs said...

John-Michael,
You my friend are a gift indeed to all of us that have the pleasure to know your gentle and wise soul at least as much as we can by computer....
I am glad that you are so in tune with others that you are able to have such a first-aid kit on hand. Double hugs for this post.
Rose

John-Michael said...

I am so glad that I decided to 'peek in' on the computer and to find this treat, of your kind note, my Dearest Rose.

Your generous (hugs) will now send me off to sweet sleep smiling the smile of comfort in a Darling Friend's thoughtfulness.

Loving You ..

nitebyrd said...

An open mind and open heart are two of the best defenses for life. At least in my experience they are.

John-Michael said...

In the harmonies created by the gracious openness of your loving and caring Heart in duet with your delightful Mind, my Spirit always knows the joy of a welcoming concert, my ever-dear NiteByrd. Each opportunity to rest in your presence is an endearing Gift.

Loving You ...

jillie said...

Even with the people that we love the most and hope wouldn't hurt us, there are still times that happens. But then again, love at the same time, as much as it may hurt, does really heal all wounds.

I haven't been around much but think of you often and wonder how you are doing. I am trying my best to get caught up here and HOPE that I don't let my blog lap into another two months before I post again. Life is crazy at times isnt' it??

Hugs and love to you!!

Suldog said...

First, I'm glad to see another post from you. You are such a prolific poster. I was worried when you didn't put anything up for a few days.

Second, knowing your own self-worth is useful. The old bromide about having to love yourself before you can truly love someone else? Very true. However, having that self-love can be useful as a buffer against life's inevitable disappointments.

Third, we all love you. I can't speak with certainty for the rest of the folks here, but you know damn well I love me, so (as regards #2 above) um, well, uh... we all love you.

Fourth, see #3, but omit the obvious disfunction.

Fidfth, is spelled wrong.

Fifth, when spelled right, is the exact amount of whiskey you should keep on hand in case 1 through 4 don't do it for you.

Sixth, I don't know what in hell I'm talking about, but the sheer volume of words I'm putting out here should be enough to tell you that I truly care, and I wish you happiness. OK? OK.

Seventh - Prayer said for you. Coming from a reprobate like me, it may not work. However, add it to the pile of words and take it for what it's worth.

Eighth - Put an "F" in front of it. Works wonders.

Ninth - I've gone on for far too long, so now I'll quit.

Tenth - Bye!

SandraRee said...

Your are so kind and so good. I do love you, John-Michael.

John-Michael said...

I am swept away, with a sense of happy celebration, by your presence ... my Precious Friend Jillie! I have peeked, in several times, in hopes of finding you 'at home.' [smile] How I do delight in your place of light and joy in my life!

Admiringly ...

John-Michael said...

Jim, my Dear SulDog Friend, you are as precious and dear to me as anyone who I am blessed by Life with. Your insightful and entertaining view of life lifts me up and blesses my Spirit. You make me feel right good!

I love You, My Friend, and am so honored by your affection. Thank you.

John-Michael said...

"I love you" from your Heart, Darling Sandra, is a hymn from my favorite hymnal ... sung in a key that harmonizes with the core of my Being. Bless you!

I love you, Dear One ...

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