I have noticed time and time again, that our beliefs shape the way we view the world and how we relate to others. If we believe that people are kind and generous, almost everyone we meet lives up to that expectation. Or if we believe that the world is a threatening place, we find danger around every corner. People can go from job to job, or relationship to relationship, and keep finding the same things depending on their world view. There is a wonderful Sufi story that illustrates how what we see, is often a reflection of our beliefs.

A man entered a village and went to see the Sufi Master, the wise old man of the village. The visitor said, " I'm deciding whether I should move here or not. I'm wondering what kind of a neighborhood this is. Can you tell me what the people here are like?" The Sufi Master said "Tell me, what kind of people live where you came from?" The visitor said,  "They were robbers, cheats and liars." The old Sufi Master said "You know, those are exactly the same kind of people who live here." The visitor left and never came back. Another visitor entered the village and asked the same question of the Sufi Master. "I'm thinking of moving here. Can you tell me what the people are like?" Again the Sufi Master asked, "Tell me, what kind of people live where you came from?" The visitor said, "Oh, they were the kindest, gentlest, most compassionate, loving people. I shall miss them terribly." The Sufi Master said, "Those are exectly the kind of people who live here too."

If our beliefs create our social world, it is important to examine what we regularly tell ourselves about the people we interact with and the world we live in. Does it seem like everyone you work with is mean or against you? Are your neighbors rude and unfriendly? Maybe it has more to do with you and your beliefs than the way they really are.

A wise person once said: "things are neither good nor bad; it is the thinking of things that make it so." If we want to live in a warm and inviting place and have people around us that are loving and compassionate, the first step might be to change the way we look at things. By doing that, the things we look at begin to change.  

To your success,
Gloria