We often resist including people who seem awkward or peculiar. We may be polite, but keep them at a distance. Sometimes, of course, it is wisdom to keep distance from people who may not respect our boundaries. However, today, I was thinking that awkward, peculiar people can make us uncomfortable because most of us have awkward, peculiar parts of ourselves that we don't accept, that we judge harshly and try to hide. The more we can embrace with kindness and acceptance those parts of ourselves, the easier it is to offer true welcome to others. And perhaps by offering true welcome to others and valuing them, we can embrace more parts of ourselves.
Lately, I have been understanding the importance of including new people and voices in our conversations, our lunch tables, our groups of various sorts, and not just in a surface way - but in a genuine, open-your heart-with-appreciation and-welcome way.
We often resist including people who seem awkward or peculiar. We may be polite, but keep them at a distance. Sometimes, of course, it is wisdom to keep distance from people who may not respect our boundaries. However, today, I was thinking that awkward, peculiar people can make us uncomfortable because most of us have awkward, peculiar parts of ourselves that we don't accept, that we judge harshly and try to hide. The more we can embrace with kindness and acceptance those parts of ourselves, the easier it is to offer true welcome to others. And perhaps by offering true welcome to others and valuing them, we can embrace more parts of ourselves.
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AuthorTarn Wilson is the author of the memoir The Slow Farm and numerous essays. You may read more of her work at tarnwilson.com. Archives
September 2020
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