What was that all about?

Yesterday the strangest thing happened to me. There’s a Facebook group that was created for people who live where I live, to give things that they no longer need for free. Hoping someone else will find a use for them.

I posted a picture of a shabby ladder to give away, maybe someone creative would like to paint it and place it in the garden, put pots with plants on it or some other fun idea.

I posted it and then went to teach my Yoga class 😊

After the class ended, I saw messages on my phone:

“This is an unsafe ladder. You should disassemble it and throw it away! I’m a safety engineer, trust me!” and “This is a lousy ladder. You should be ashamed offering it to others! It belongs in the trash!”

To say that I was surprised is an understatement. Never mind that I had good intentions, but what was that all about? How a simple ladder can rise so many emotions, points of views, reactions and resistant?

To be honest, I don’t really know. But this was a marvelous example of how most people operate: react, hold on to their points of views, needing to be right all the time. What does it create? Nothing. (Unless you count unkindness as a worthy creation…).

What if instead of reacting, we will pause for a minute, take a deep breath, and ask – is my reaction going to create anything here? for me and for the other person?

And those of you who are familiar with: ‘If I’ll prove her/him/them that I’m right, I’ll show’em! then I’ll be happy!’ will you though? Really?

If you’d be willing to let go of your point of view, be able to acknowledge that even the most important thought that you hold on to, is JUST a point of view, you’ll be so much happier, lighter and free…

And also, sometimes it is just the kind thing to do. And kindness is one of the greatest gifts we can give each other.