Diamonds Everywhere

In a previous post, “How Valuable Are You?“, the final line from the Grandfather, was a powerful summary.  He said, “May you value the diamond in yourself and recognize the diamond in others as well.”

To “see the diamond in others” starts with believing that you are a diamond. Then believing that just like you, we all are.  We are all unique, original, and the only one of a kind in this universe.

Just as it might be difficult to see the diamond in ourselves, it’s even more difficult to see it in others.  To see it in others requires being open to seeing things from their perspective, not yours.  As the expression goes “walk a mile in their shoes”.  It may be difficult to see from their perspective, since we haven’t or can’t walk in their shoes, so we must be open to the idea that there is one.  To be open is to be empathetic.  It means having a listening heart.

“We don’t always see things as they are, we see things as we are” – Anais Nin

We are all diamonds.  Some start out more polished than others and some less so.  To reach the top of our mountain requires continually polishing and refining.  In recognizing that there is another perspective, theirs, will lead us to help them see their diamond and inspire them to polish theirs.

“Rough diamonds may sometimes be mistaken for worthless pebbles.” – Thomas Browne

When the Lubavitcher Rebbe was asked how he could stand for hours receiving thousands waiting in line, he smiled gently and said,

“When you are counting diamonds, you don’t get tired.”

Watch this video for a good understanding of Empathy from Rabbi Dr. Abraham Twerski a Rabbi, Psychiatrist, founder of the Gateway Rehabilitation Center