Things You'll Need:
- a brain
- a will
- a heart
- a desire for peace & good will
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Step 1
Stop and engage your higher self.
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Step 2
Ask yourself what you really want from this person or interaction. Is it understanding? Love? Respect? Whatever it is, keep that desire in the front of your mind, but also be prepared that you might not get it at this moment in time. With that knowledge, act in a manner that will cultivate the possibility of you getting what you want in the future, if not right now.
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Step 3
Stop and consciously regulate your breathing. This will allow you to stay cool and level headed when having an emotion filled interaction.
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Step 4
Stop centering your thoughts around yourself, how you want the other person to act or what you want them to say right now.
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Step 5
Listen and observe without judging.
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Step 6
As they are speaking, in your mind push out good thoughts towards them.
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Step 7
Recognize that they may not be at their best at this moment. People are most vulnerable and disagreeable when they are in a 'HALT' state of mind: Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired. Any combination of these will trigger insecurity and less than model behavior in anyone.
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Step 8
Speak softly and kindly. Hold their hands if they will allow you to, or if it is appropriate.
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Step 9
Recognize that this single interaction need not define all of your interactions with this person. You don't have to win every time, and your next interaction with them might be totally fine.
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Step 10
Remember, you always win when you act with love and grace towards others.
