Blaise Pascal, a 17th-century philosopher, had some psychology hypotheses that included the most effective way to change someone’s mind. When we wish to correct with advantage, and to show another that he errs, we must notice from what side he views the matter, for on that side it is usually true, and admit that truth to him, but reveal to him the side on which it is false. He is satisfied with that, for he sees that he was not mistaken, and that he only failed to see all sides. People are generally better persuaded by the reasons which they have themselves discovered than by those which have come into the mind of others.
Arthur Markman, psychology professor at The University of Texas at Austin, says, “One of the first things you have to do to give someone permission to change their mind is to lower their defenses and prevent them from digging their heels in to the position they already staked out. If I immediately start to tell you all the ways in which you’re wrong, there’s no incentive for you to co-operate. But if I start by saying, ‘Ah, yeah, you made a couple of really good points here, I think these are important issues,’ now you’re giving the other party a reason to want to cooperate as part of the exchange. And that gives you a chance to voice your own concerns about their position in a way that allows cooperation.”
Let’s cooperate with spirit for a whisper on the subject:
Cooperation is a form of collaboration that involves creativity. When people cooperate, they are giving permission to share viewpoints and ideas. By exploring the position held by others, information exchange leads to discoveries that spark the imagination and illuminate the path to understanding. This is the true value of cooperation.
When you cooperate, an energetic release occurs. The energies are based in emotions and creativity, which occur in a moving band of radiant light. The movement can release tension in the body and open up channels for more flow. When energy flows, the flow of life will follow. Isolation can be valuable at times, but avoidance can be self-destructive at some level. Learning through relationship experiences of every kind is on the path of awakening.
Discernment is one of the lessons that lead to overcoming fear, sadness, grief, anger, and regrets. One can experience a benefit to choosing battles, but there is usually a greater reward found with cooperation. Be the spiritual detective who finds an opening in another person’s protective shell. You can hear another viewpoint without the need to feed the ego. No one has to be right or wrong, but everyone has a need to give voice to their ideas and opinions.
Truth is found in layers, so few Universal truths exist in the evolving landscape of human evolution. Self-righteousness can lead to the same limiting thoughts and behaviors that are experienced with misguided beliefs. The best response is always found in the energy of love and acceptance, with an elevated view that some may be fulfilling a desire for something to be true. The desire for truth and the need to be right don’t always lead to cooperation. So don’t let your strong spirit fall into another person’s emotional traps. Love emerges from understanding, especially when it touches another human spirit.
Bring joy, ease suffering and create beauty, then dance like you mean it!
Blessings, Russell
“Competition has been shown to be useful up to a certain point and no further, but cooperation, which is the thing we must strive for today, begins where competition leaves off.”
― Franklin D. Roosevelt
