Deflection

Deflection is a psychological defense mechanism where a person redirects focus, blame, or responsibility away from themselves and onto someone or something else. It acts as an emotional shield to avoid discomfort, guilt, or accountability.

Deflection is when someone shifts the focus away from the current topic, usually to avoid answering, taking responsibility, or dealing with discomfort. It is basically a conversational redirect that seeks to divert discussion. 

There are various ways that people try to deflect an ongoing discussion. The most common is to change the topic. Another option is a counter accusation. Some try to minimize the scope or impact of the ongoing topic while some decide to get over aggressive about something else. 

Most people use it as a defense mechanism. Often it is because one has nothing really to say. Sometimes, it is just a matter of inflated ego. The goal isn't to address the point. The goal is to move you off it.

To respond appropriately to deflection, the first step is to notice it early. You may realise that your question never actually got answered, but the subject suddenly changed. The trick is to stay on track and return to the main topic by using methods of assertiveness like broken record, agree-in-part, etc.

Don't swallow the bait of deflection

A cool mind holds on to the discussion

~ Pravin K Sabnis 

#mondaymuse23rdYear #pravinsabnis #since2004 #motivation #blogging #MondayMuse

Anubhooti

In Sanskrit, Anubhooti refers to experience that comes after observing and living through something. It is not just knowledge from books. It is a realisation born out of an experience.

We can read about or be told about rain, but Anubhooti is to get wet in the showers, feel the water touch the skin and to smell the wet earth. Mistakes, joys, losses, and little daily experiences all become Anubhooti.

A guru, an artist, or an elder is respected not only for what they know, but for what they have experienced. Their words carry weight because they come from Anubhooti.

Educational institutions are now bringing Anubhooti back into learning. Instead of rote learning, learners are encouraged to do experiments, visit places, work on projects, and reflect. When a child grows a plant, cleans a beach, or interviews a grandparent, the lesson becomes Anubhooti.

Information is everywhere now, easy to download. But Anubhooti cannot be downloaded. It has to be lived. It builds wisdom because you start seeing learning beyond textbooks.

It is important to note that two people can go through the same situation yet walk away with very different understandings, because their experiences are different. Hence Anubhooti will differ from person to person leading to multiple perceptions and perspectives.

Immerse in the experience to learn and unlearn

Anubhooti will happen as an unexpected turn!

~ Pravin K Sabnis

#mondaymuse23rdYear #pravinsabnis #since2004 #motivation #blogging #MondayMuse

Adopt a Tree

Planting a tree is an activity that has become fashionable. On environment days, during the ongoing Vanamohtsav Week saplings are planted as a photo-op. The next year the same space will be available to plant another sapling.

It is futile to plant a tree that will not survive because of lack of nurturing and protection. Speaking of protection, existing full grown trees are easily marked for felling for silly reasons.

Instead of casual planting, maybe we should adopt trees and look after them. The adopted trees could be fully grown trees or freshly planted saplings. The one who adopts that tree should look after it with care.

Adopting a tree requires the resolve of a consistent commitment. It is a choice made by those who connect totally to the common good. They do not seek immediate benefits for themselves.

So often, we are seized by an emotion that is well intentioned. But, the best of intentions can come to nought, if we do not back our initial act by a follow up of appropriate actions. So while it is good to ‘plant’, it would be better to ‘adopt’ and nurture that tree!

Choose to create a lasting legacy

Do not just plant... adopt the tree!

~ Pravin K Sabnis 

 #since2004 #motivation #blogging #MondayMuse