You never know what's underneath

October 27, 8:35 PMPhoenix Spiritual ExaminerTorie Cooper

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Photo: Ansgar Walk 

 Would you guess polar bears have black skin underneath all that thick, waterproof white fur? We'd probably be surprised if we knew all the many ways in which appearances were deceiving. It's easy to judge a book by its cover and miss out on reading a terrific story simply because we misinterpreted the cover design.

Often we don't know what lies beneath someone's outward demeanor.  We've all experienced the less than pleasant store clerk or a sulky coworker. Perhaps we've asked an unusually quiet teenager if everything's O.K. only to have them shout back "I'm fine!!!" Or maybe we smiled at a fellow jogger who didn't smile back. Perhaps a spouse avoids us and refuses to talk when we ask what's troubling them. We've all experienced these situations.

It's easy to misinterpret someone else's words and behaviors. It's easy to take it personally but wiser not to. Often, there are many factors contributing to the feelings and behaviors of others. If we knew all that was going on beneath the surface, their behavior would make more sense to us even though we may not agree with their choice of expression. 

In our human existence, we may not always be aware of what lies underneath someone else's upsetting behavior. But all of us have experienced loneliness, family strife, financial troubles, relationship problems, self-doubt and so many other difficulties. Perhaps our words and demeanor also reflected our worries during these times. Perhaps we were quiet, sulky, grouchy or lost in our own little world too.

Allow your heart to experience compassion for those having a tough day. We've all been there. The Universe (God) understands our inner struggles and loves us anyway. Let's create a kinder world by doing the same.

Peace to all