Back at it all! Sorry for the long and unintentional pause in writing, ya’ll. I’ve changed the structure and format of these posts to be more engaging and precise about what the post is about, hope ya’ll enjoy this one!
“If liberty means anything at all, it means the right to tell people what they do not want to hear.”
– George Orwell
This is such a potent quote today, where we are very divided in this country and that division has created callousness towards differing opinions. Orwell is so right to say that the price of liberty is freedom of not only speech but also attention.
True attention holds no reserve judgment or criticism, it involves listening without the two, and even without a response.
I believe Orwell is also not saying that liberty means we should reserve our truest thoughts and opinions for those who will listen either but rather mindfully express those two openly and kindly.
If we were to only speak what comforts the ears of others, and only listen to what comforts our own, we would live in a fantasy, a utopia that is far from reality.
The reality is, that everyone has an opinion, some much more fixed to theirs than others, and instead of avoiding those that we don’t sit well with or fighting back at them, we can have an open mind and just listen.
There are small, subtle, impactful ways we can listen to criticism, and in a way, strengthen a mental muscle akin to willpower (the strength to just shut up and listen).
- Remember there’s a benefit to receiving criticism:
What benefits you might be asking? Well, criticism helps us improve our listening skills, patience, and relationships as well as helping us find any truth in what the other person is saying. - Curtail any reaction you’re having to the criticism:
We are reactionary creatures it’s true, which is why this takes a good bit of mindfulness. Although it can be challenging to receive criticism from a co-worker, friend, family member, or even someone that you don’t fully respect, just remember that the most accurate and constructive feedback often comes from ‘flawed’ sources. - There is a deep understanding of listening to criticism:
When receiving feedback, cultivate a mindful presence. Engage in active listening, providing a space for the individual to express their thoughts fully and uninterrupted. Once they’ve shared, reflect on their words to them, seeking clarity, such as, “It sounds like you’re suggesting I use a kinder tone, is that accurate?” Refrain from analyzing or challenging their assessment; instead, center your focus on comprehending their viewpoint. Extend understanding by giving the benefit of the doubt, and acknowledging the challenge of delivering feedback. Recognize that the person offering feedback may feel uneasy or might not articulate their thoughts perfectly.
If this were the mode of operation and standard of thought for that which causes division in the world today, there would be little to no division at all.
Yeah, sometimes what other people have to say sucks and sometimes it’s uncomfortable, but their opinion can open your eyes and face things you might otherwise ignore.
The right to speak openly and even critically is fundamental, no matter how unpleasant it sounds to the status quo. Without this ability, we have no liberty.
Encouragement
Consider today an opinion that you already express often in your life. Do you feel liberated in expressing it? Do you withhold expression from a fear of rejection or judgment?
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