To see as others do.

I had an interesting discussion yesterday about what of all the senses would you give up if there was a compulsory need to give up one? It was amazing the range of views that people had and the reasons for their choices. Hardly one of the five senses was omitted.

I suppose this shows us to some extent what it is that we value. For some, it would be their hearing while for others their sight.

I have a blind friend, a lad I have loved spending time with because he helps me to see the world like nobody else does. Knowing him has helped me to look at things and really see them, and to appreciate with all my heart what it is I am seeing.

But another lesson he has reinforced for me is also the art of listening. When you cannot see, the need to use the ears and become a good listener becomes even more important.  It is not just what is said that is important, but the manner in which it is said.

One of the greatest compliments paid to me was paid by Andy when he said to me, "I do not really know what you look like but I can hear you are an honest man. "

I was thinking of this yesterday as I chased that little white ball around the golf course, and I remembered the story I would like to share with you now. 

After Bankei, a famous wise man had passed away, a blind man who lived near the master’s temple told a friend.

“Since I am blind, I cannot watch a person’s face, so I must judge his character by the sound of his voice. Ordinarily, when I hear someone congratulate another upon his happiness or success, I also hear a secret tone of envy. 

When condolence is expressed for the misfortune of another, I hear pleasure and satisfaction, as if the one consoling was really glad there was something left to gain in his own world.

In all my experience, however, Bankei’s voice was always sincere. Whenever he expressed happiness, I heard nothing but happiness, and whenever he expressed sorrow, sorrow was all I heard.”

On reflection, I feel that the greatest lesson we can learn is always ever to only say what we mean and to only ever mean what we say and say it with sincerity of heart. 

Have a marvellous day.