Twice recently, I felt that some interpersonal difficulties have been overcome with little direct effort. In both instances I wasn’t get through to the other person and I was frustrated that something apparently innocuous, had become contentious.

The solution was simple and I believe came about as a benefit of meditation. I gave the other person space and I listened more the next time the issues came up. In listening first, I developed a better understanding. With that in mind I was better placed to address the issues – with compromises that made both parties happy.

If we seek to make change then we need to listen as well as persuade.