See the Good

Seeing is observing visually or becoming aware by way of our other senses. Good is subjective to the individual. When we observe or become aware of a person or situation, we have options - point out all of the problems, see the upside, do a mix of both.

Quick Story

The Cracked Pot, Author Unknown

One of the pots had a crack in it while the other pot was perfect and always delivered a full portion of water. At the end of the long walk from the stream to the house, the cracked pot arrived only half full.

For a full two years this went on daily, with the woman bringing home only one and a half pots of water. Of course, the perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments. But the poor cracked pot was ashamed of its own imperfection, and miserable that it could only do half of what it had been made to do.

After 2 years of what it perceived to be bitter failure, it spoke to the woman one day by the stream. 'I am ashamed of myself, because this crack in my side causes water to leak out all the way back to your house.' The old woman smiled, 'Did you notice that there are flowers on your side of the path, but not on the other pot's side?

That's because I have always known about your ‘flaw’, so I planted flower seeds on your side of the path, and every day while we walk back, you water them.' 'For two years I have been able to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate the table.' Without you being just the way you are, there would not be this beauty to grace the house.'

Science we know so far...

According to Psychology Today, "because of what scientists call the brain's "negativity bias," we're most likely to notice the bad qualities in others rather than the good ones: the things that worry or annoy us or make us critical.

Unfortunately, if you feel surrounded by lots of bad or, at best, neutral qualities in others, and only a sprinkling of dimly sensed good ones, then you naturally feel less supported, less safe, and less inclined to be generous or pursue your dreams. Plus, in a circular way, when another person gets the feeling that you don't really see much that's good in him or her, that person is less likely to take the time to see much that's good in you.

Seeing the good in others is, thus, a simple but very powerful way to feel happier and more confident, and become more loving and more productive in the world."

Seeing the Good in Others | Psychology Today

Cortex and Calves

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Jornal Activity

1. Think about a situation that rates anywhere from mildly annoying to very upsetting. From that incident, did you grow in any way from the experience? Did you learn something that benefits you now and for the future? (Note – Deep emotional pain and sadness may require more support from close friends and or loved ones or professionals. Reach out for help to people you trust if you feel emotionally out of control.)

2. What is good? Can I see the good? How do I notice the good more often?

The Million Dollar Alphabet for Life

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Quotes and Interpretations

Everything has beauty, but not everyone sees it. Confucius

Where can we go to find God if we cannot see Him in our own hearts and in every living being. Swami Vivekananda

Blessed are they who see beautiful things in humble places where other people see nothing. Camille Pissarro

It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light. Aristotle

It's not what you look at that matters, it's what you see. Henry David Thoreau

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DF