How to become wiser

​Seeking perspective

What’s another way to look at this? What assumptions am I making right now? How would an objective observer describe what happened? Who is this benefitting and who is it hurting? What would my wisest mentor advise me to think, ask, or do at this moment? If everyone made this choice, how would it affect the world? What are the ripple effects of this choice in the immediate moment, short-term and long-term? ​

Examining yourself

What would I do in this moment if someone was watching me? What can I learn from this situation? Where am I failing to uphold my values? Is this choice helping me move closer to my values or further away from them? How are my personal experiences, biases, fears, and goals affecting the way I am looking at this? Are my words and my actions aligning (living with integrity)? If not, what do I need to do differently? What is happening within me that I might be projecting onto another person or this situation? How are my strengths and weaknesses affecting my response in this moment? How have I contributed to this situation?​

Developing compassion

What do I need in order to see this situation from a wiser perspective?
What would constitute a good outcome for everyone involved?
What’s the most caring interpretation of this person’s actions?
What needs is this person trying to fulfill right now?
How might this person or group be suffering right now?
What’s the choice that benefits the greater good?
If I’m judging someone, have I behaved similarly before? What was going on for me at that moment?

Is the choice I’m making leading to more love and compassion in the world?