Soften a tense situation by showing an unarmed, defenseless, and open heart.
Did you hear the story of those animal scientists and rifle-toting explorers who wanted to study a troop of gorillas, but kept being driven away by some of the apes whenever they ventured near?
When one of the explorers decided to approach the camp unarmed, the gorillas welcomed the stranger.
Such is the approach we can take when facing a tense situation. Our defensive position can be seen as a hostile rifle that could injure others
“Speak to people with love and compassion and you have the ability to create change in them.”
— Matt Valentine
Say “May I meet this moment with openness. May I meet this as a friend.”
