Bite your dog...

This is just a simple bit of advice about communication. So often we feel that we are being misunderstood. No one understands us. No one gets us. Maybe it's because we aren't speaking the same language. Or your language is not the same as the people listening to you. Or, more accurately, your reality, and the language that comes from it, is different from the reality of the person with whom you are speaking. Think about it. Perhaps you are misunderstood because you can't put yourself in the other person's shoes. You can't describe your reality in a way that is meaningful to them.

Enter the dog. The dog likes to play with you. You like to play with the dog. Sometimes it gets beyond fun and the fangs and claws start to hurt. You say "OW!" and Fido gnaws harder. You squeal and run away, Spot bounds after you. Your perspective: you and your lovable fur ball were playing and it got out of control. Woofer's view: They were playing with their favorite person, it got to be really fun, their person squealed happily, and started an awesome game of chase.

Watch a mother dog playing with her puppies. They enjoy playing. Sometimes it gets out of control. She handles it in a very distinct way that the puppy completely understands. She bites them. Gently but firmly on their muzzle. Play stops. Lesson learned. The mother dog speaks the same language as the puppy, obviously. But more than that, she understands the puppy's reality. She was there once herself.

Contrary to the title, I am not suggesting that you actually bite your dog, or anyone else for that matter. What I am suggesting is to think outside of your situation. Sometimes when we feel the most misunderstood it is because we have cut ourselves off from everyone else. With a little less ego and a little larger perspective it is possible to find a common language, a common reality. Use your imagination and flex your compassion, viola - understanding between co-workers, relatives, couples, generations, species, etc... A little effort with a lot of reward: better relationships and a stronger sense of connection.