In this episode Emiliya Zhivotovskaya, CEO & Founder of The Flourishing Center, was inspired by Martin Buber, published in 1923. I and Thou (You). Fundamentally, “It” refers to the world as we experience it. By contrast, the word pair I-Thou describes the world of relations. This is the “I” that does not objectify any “It” but rather acknowledges a living relationship.
One of the major themes of the book is that human life finds its meaningfulness in relationships. Experience is all physical, but these relationships involve a great deal of spirituality. She encourages us to meet the world on its own terms and respect the reality of another as an expression of the world that we are connected in. She invites us to consider the human behind the person within our interactions.
Rather than harshly judging or blindly going through your day, adopt this idea of “I and You.” This concept offers a warmth and unconditional acceptance that generates love and joy.
There is a heart beat behind that person.
Being fully present means having your focus, your attention, your thoughts and feelings all fixed on the person at hand. If you are speaking with someone, Emiliya inspires us to give them your full attention and energy. If someone shows kindness, caring, and willingness to be present and acknowledge others they are being compassionate. In combination of practicing compassion, while knowing there is a heart beat behind that person, you’re putting yourself in someone else’s shoes and really connecting to humanity.
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