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Elizabeth Gu

TEDCRED 30+

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How do you interact with everything?

How do you interact with everything?
I love creative answers...!
What are your thoughts on this question?

Topics: around environment interaction people
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Closing Statement from Elizabeth Gu

Thank you all for participating in this conversation with creative and thought-provoking answers!
Taught me a lot.
Although the question seems to be vague and need specifying, your answers are just sufficient enough to convey your own thoughts!

To learn, live and love, I want to interact with people with more faith and sincerity.

Best wishes!
Liz :D

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    Wilma Weichselbaum

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    Feb 10 2013: Hi Elizabeth, Your question appears to require a very complex answer, as "everything" is an enormous category. I think there is however, simplicity inherent in what you ask. It is the implementing of the answer that may be difficult. So, here it is: We are all filled with myriad thoughts and feelings. Some of us are particularly sensitive to all kinds of stimuli. Sensitivity can allow a person to be receptive to all kinds of subtleties in life. Such a person may be more sympathetic and empathetic to others. I'd say this is an excellent trait for a teacher to have. Along with the benefits there are the seeming drawbacks to being sensitive. One is hurt easily. One is very self-protective. One can feel that the world is not a friendly place. One can feel very different. Vulnerability is an uncomfortable state to be in. If you look at your sensitivity as a gift or as a talent, you may value it more. You know then, that you need to find the most beneficial way for you to live your life. To experience your feelings is human. Many people shut down their inner life. They may seem untroubled, and at ease, but that may just be on the surface. They may hurt people because they are insensitive. Would you like to be like that?

    We can never control the "everything" of life. Often, people respond to others out of their own insecurities. You should not think that everything from another person relates primarily to you. I know this is hard to accept. The first response is that we feel vulnerable. It is best to be who you really are. There are people who will value you and others who won't. As for all kinds of other things, well, you have to be "in the moment". You cannot know everything about everything ahead of when it occurs. There is no "escape" from others reactions, from events out of our control. Your feelings will help you to understand your life's experiences. You will become a wiser teacher and a stronger individual. And, trust your not-knowing - it has much to teach you.
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      Elizabeth Gu 30+

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      Feb 10 2013: Well, thanks for your thought-provoking response, Wilma!
      However, I feel like correcting the word "everything" that seems to confuse you a little.
      As for vulnerable traits that human beings all have, I was trying to make sense to Mr. Reisner as his remark is profound enough to make me ponder about it.

      As you say, whether we're sensitive or not, we can't control “everything of life”.
      So, in accordance with my original question—How do you interact with everything, by "everything", the sentence seems to mean something under control of our lives, but it’s not.

      Although I admit that my question may sound a little too vague or too expansive, in essence, I mean the following attitude after you interact with "everything"—could be anything.
      And in retrospect, you may or may not like the way you've been interacting with others or difficult situations or even fortune.

      Sorry for not being more specific about the theme of this conversation, but I thought that would be enough—and I still do, anyhow.

      One doesn't need to be "know-it-all" when it comes to interacting with new environments or others as you mention, "trust your not-knowing" may teach us a lot more than we think.

      Even though honestly I often get afraid of being in an uncertain situation, "not knowing" how to interact with—or in this case, "how to deal with" would be more appropriate, though—uncertainty excites me.

      As you may have noticed, one can't help being self-conscious or self-centered as an individual.
      Even the word I used "everything" might not contain the meaning of events that happen far away from a person.
      But as a part of members of the society, one also wants to know what others feel about themselves and the way they handle things or simply “react”.

      Perhaps the way I showed "exhibit A" wasn't enough; however, as usual, I love receiving unexpected answers.
      Again, thanks for your response. It really makes me try to clarify the purpose of this conversation.


      Helpful interaction it is...! :)
      Liz

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