How have you changed over your lifetime?
Do you see people differently? Accept them more openly?
See God with new eyes?
People who study human development described how we grow and change in different terminology, but I read a new description last week that intrigued me.
Increasing Embrace.
Psychologist Susanne Cook-Greuter describes the maturing process in terms of levels of human development with the words: “increasing embrace.” As we evolve we become more inclusive, able to accept greater differences in those with others.
As we develop, our level of tolerance of other peoples’ mistakes, peculiarities, and values supposedly increase. A maturing human gives up old beliefs and automatic attitudes of the mind and heart. We let go of the old self and take on new openness.
Not only do we accept others with more tolerance, but ourselves also.
Food for thought, isn’t it?
I would like to think I am more tolerant and loving of others and myself now than previously. I hope I am a growing person and not one clinging to comfortable old ways.
But my comfort zone is so, shall I say it, comfortable. Habits are cozy slippers and I get cold feet when walking into new territory.
“We note that this is the very kind of consciousness that got Jesus into so much trouble. His sharpest critics were those who liked to point out that he associated with anyone. This is because he embraced and loved everyone the same.” Judy Cannato 
May we all live in increasing embrace with the world, with others and with ourselves. Just like Jesus!
Oh, dear. I’ll have to think about this.
I’m more tolerant than I used to be of those unlike me , but less tolerant of people who hurt others. Perhaps this is because I hear about more pain than when I was younger.
Thanks for a thoughtful post.
I almost didn’t write this post but the phrase “increasing embrace” captivated me and really got me thinking. I am so glad it had the same effect on all of you. thanks for the comments
I really like that theory…and when I look at my own life, it seems to be true. I seem softer, less likely to judge. I’m glad for that — seems like a good trend going on here!
Jeanie … Love this post. I always say that the older I get, the less judgmental I am because I realize more and more how many mistakes I’ve made in my past. It inspires me to give more grace to others. ;0)
Tweeting this as part of Tweet Me Tuesday!
This is great: “Habits are cozy slippers and I get cold feet when walking into new territory.” Such a great analogy, Jeanie.
And I love that phrase — encreasing embrace. Great concept. I want to BE it.
Good food for thought. I do think I am a bit more tolerant and think a lot of it comes from seeing that things I was sure of didn’t always work out like I thought, and vice versa 🙂 God’s definitely had to do plenty of sandpapering in my life over the years. 🙂
I love the comparison of habits to cozy slippers!! You’re so right though-comfy and easy to slip back into!! I’d also like to think I’m more tolerant but in some ways honestly I’m not…and have to remind myself that “I was there” not too long ago!
Tweeting it out for Tweet Me Tuesday!!