Show tolerance to others
The sun shines through an azure cloudless Taranaki sky framed by a beautiful mountain. The surf is pumping, the wind is offshore and the water is warming up for summer. There is a saying that only a surfer knows the feeling but I beg to differ. The fine weather sends powerful neurotransmitters pumping through our brains. It’s been a tough winter here for many, with dark days, incessant rain and mud, and dark thoughts for some.
SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) describes low mood associated with low light (the winter blues) and affects many people worldwide. So, sitting in the morning sun relaxing with breakfast brings a warm glow and the anticipation of a warm summer. Whether it’s the pineal gland producing melatonin or some other chemicals surging through our veins, we all know the feeling of wellbeing that a warm summer’s day brings (as long as you don’t get sunburnt!).
Based on the events I have seen in the past week, it’s about time we all warmed up and became happier. At times I fear for the wellbeing of our community and society as a whole when I witness a lack of tolerance and understanding for others, especially for others not in our social, cultural or political framework. Road rage, carpark rage and attitudes to those less fortunate have seemed rampant as I have witnessed the darker side of humanity and its lack of social wellbeing.
While I like to write positively, it’s hard to turn a blind eye to a man screaming obscenities at an unfortunate Uber driver who was navigating a marina carpark and trying to pick me up.
The gentleman concerned drives that road every day. He had less-than-zero tolerance for the poor guy, who was unfamiliar with the layout. The vitriol that spewed forth was frightening and showed a lack of personal wellbeing. Sadly, the Uber driver said it’s not uncommon. People are angry. I can only imagine dropping that angry man into Delhi or Mumbai traffic.
While supermarket shopping in Taranaki, my India-born friend who was stretching her legs in the carpark was accused of being a potential thief by an employee and told to leave the premises or the police would be called. She has a double master’s degree, boxed for New Zealand at the London Olympics and was in Taranaki speaking at a conference. To round the week off, I was listening to people say the homeless have a choice and should just get off their butts and get a job.
All three examples show a lack of tolerance and understanding of what it is like to be in other people’s shoes. It also reflects poorly on their own personal wellbeing, as the well-used axes ground internally create chaos.
I had been at Auckland’s City Mission the week before, and CEO Chris Farrelly described one common theme in those less 123RF fortunate – trauma. Something has happened to turn their lives upside down.
So, my message this week is for tolerance and acceptance of those different from you. See the world through their eyes. Soak up the sun, enjoy the moment and let tolerance and acceptance send neurotransmitters through your brain and veins. It will increase your own wellbeing and our communities’. We are all connected. Please be nice out there, people. Summer is coming. Be tolerant
While I like to write positively, it’s hard to turn a blind eye to a man screaming obscenities at an unfortunate Uber driver who was navigating a marina carpark and trying to pick me up.