I know, I know. In some fashion I always seem to be talking about priorities directly, indirectly, by implication if not by intent. I probably always will. It’s because we all function on our own frame of reference, our own predilections consciously and subconsciously. AND I think many of our ‘mistakes’ or mis-steps, our repetition of previous mistakes, being blindsided, etc. come from our lack of awareness and/or acknowledgement of our own priorities (and maybe… how they are received). But also remember that our successes, our growth, our becoming also rests on our frame of reference – our starting point. Other than not taking the time to know, there is nothing inherently ‘bad’ with priorities unless you attempt to force others to accept them.
Simultaneously, if you act and react according to your priorities it stands to reason that others do the same – you should never be surprised at this reality though you may find yourself surprised at the expression. And though it may be hard to accept, your priorities may not be the same as someone else’s – at least not their ranking. I suspect this is the source of problems of not understanding or surprise. Bottom line is that if you retain your right to your frame of reference, your priorities then you have to accord others the same right.
Priorities move us, they form the foundation upon how we react. It also stands to reason that the higher the ranking of the underlying belief, the more entrenched it (and we) may become. All this is based on our understanding and appreciation of differences. Without our knowing why we hold a particular belief and where it falls on our intractable scale, the more we will find ourselves in the midst of misunderstandings and miscommunications. At the same time, our level of confidence in the ranking and the inclusion, the more we are able to understand why a different position may be held.
Priorities, to me, are a ‘good’ because they not only let me know how I stand but where I stand. And seeing the reactions from others tells me their position in relation to mine. This is not a wrong/right issue, it’s a point of understanding. We can always debate the issue, not attack the person. And as iron sharpens iron we may come to a deeper appreciation and understanding not only of the other person but our own frame of reference.
