My dear friends, what I would really like you to do is try to put
yourselves in my shoes to the same extent that I, when I was with you,
put myself in yours. Galatians 4:12 (TM)
I don’t find people as considerate today as I remember when I was a child. Perhaps it’s because we isolate ourselves more and our sensitivity to what others are thinking and feeling has been dulled. Paul gives a good metaphor for being considerate – trying to put yourself in someone else’s shoes.
As an actor, I’m used to trying to put myself in someone else’s shoes. I meditate long and hard on what my character thinks and feels. I consider what it is that makes him tick and try to understand what motivates him. The funny thing is, no matter who the character is, I walk away with a greater appreciation for and empathy for that character.
Today I’m going to try and be considerate of those around me today – and let that help dictate my actions. Only then can I expect them to be considerate of me.
