Tolerance is the ability or willingness to tolerate something, in particular the existence of opinions or behavior that one does not necessarily agree with. Tolerance is the capacity to disagree strongly with another person about issues, including significant ones, while maintaining civility and respecting their right to hold a different view, even if convinced it is false.
We see a lot of arrogance in the world today, with some self-centered people who speak with a lot of authority and conviction. Just because they impose a sense that they believe what they are saying, doesn’t make it an undeniable truth. Fanaticism is demonstrated by enthusiastic people whose expressions involve a form of persecution of those who hold different views. A fanatical person is usually working with an absence of reality. So should we tolerate such behavior?
It seems that people are less tolerant of those who are different in some way, whether in their beliefs, attitudes, or behaviors. So how do we build the virtue of tolerance with people who are different? That feels like acceptance of things that at times are unacceptable. Can we remain open, compassionate, and honest with those who display behavior that is different at the least and inappropriate at most? Let’s get a whisper on tolerance:
Intolerance is usually traced to a moral position or prejudice. The conditions experienced during childhood impose a pattern that starts with a single thread woven into the fabric of life. The tapestry of a child’s experiences makes them an observer of the rules enforced by their parents. They become conditioned to living under the construct created by the parent. If the conditions support or influence prejudice, negative attitudes can be developed early in life.
Changing the behavior created by childhood conditions means to unravel the fabric one thread at a time. Each emotion that forms the general feelings that lead to intolerance is addressed in the unwinding of energy. In some cases, building the virtue of tolerance becomes the action needed to change beliefs, attitudes, and behavior. Core virtues reflect the strengths needed to grow the conscious awareness required to become more tolerant.
Compassion, acceptance, honesty, integrity, faith, and understanding must rise to meet the heightened ability to tolerate. Looking at the people who surround someone in their situation can lead to insights around the morality and prejudices held by th ose in their environment. Inappropriate or disrespectful behaviors should not be tolerated. Instead, they illuminate the need for enforcement of healthy personal boundaries.
To work out differences, both parties must be willing to stand on the bridge of communication. Otherwise, prejudice remains in the shadow created by any lack of understanding. Tolerance takes discernment by those who seek the truth. Balance can be achieved by agreeing to tolerance, making it impossible for conflict to coexist. Creating this type of condition inside and out leads to resolution, acceptance, fairness, and peace.
Bring joy, ease suffering and create beauty, then dance like you mean it!
Blessings, Russell
“Laws alone can not secure freedom of expression; in order that every man present his views without penalty there must be spirit of tolerance in the entire population.” Albert Einstein
