Saturday, July 4, 2009

ASSUME THE POSITION

"Assume the position..........." Now get your minds out of the gutter or at some shake down- strip search at the road side after a high speed police chase!!. :-) How many times and in how many places do we "get in - and/or assume the position? For example - folks must sit at their desk at work, people lay in bed or curl up in bed to go to sleep, we each have positions in which we relax, people fold their arms when guarded and defiant, a person lowers their head when ashamed or awkward, or turns away when the view is too much, or closes their eyes sometimes to imagine - sometimes to escape, or puts their head in their hands in despair, and raises their hands in celebration, or glares in a valiant effort to hold steady, and drops to their knees in prayers of anguish or relief, - so as humans we 'assume positions that ally with our determinations and intentions and feelings. Body language is 96% of communication. It is critical to how we are perceived in communication. That is why this forum leaves so much to chance, to assumptions and perceptions that are quite subjective and have little to do with the writer and much to do with the reader. Over time I think we come to 'know' the writer but much is lost.
So what positions can we, should we, assume in blog land? I think open-mindedness for one, honesty, non-judgmental, kindness in our comments, avoid 'knee-jerk' reactions, be respectful, maintain integrity, challenge or question gently, and if a blog style is not to our liking then don't visit it.

I think just about all the blogs I frequent and those that frequent mine are of like thinking about how to visit and comment. I/they "assume similar positions" of respect and courtesy and enjoy the content offered.

To all my readers I want to say "thank you" 'for assuming a position' of integrity when you visit my blog and I will continue to 'assume the same position' when I visit yours.

Love and respect
Gail
peace......

14 comments:

Bernie said...

Gail, what a lovely post. You express yourself so well and capture the good in each of us.
I hope you had a wonderful Fourth of July with your family. Stay well my friend.....:-) Hugs

Gail said...

Hi Bernie-

So nice to see you here. And I love your kind words to me.
And our 4th of July was simple, and delicious. And the movie? Madeia Goes To Jail? Hysterical with always a serious message.

love and hugs to you
Gail
peace.....

The Rambling Taoist said...

Ya see, this is one of the reasons I so love blogging. As you stated, communication is 96% body language and, because of my Asperger's, I miss most of that 96%!! In this medium, I don't have to guess as much...though, of course, it's still possible to misread or misinterpret words and phrases. :)

PENolan said...

After reading this post, I know why your girlfriends all say you're the kindest in the group.

Hope you had lovely, relaxing family time this weekend

Gail said...

Hi Trish -

So good to see you here. I have missed your wise and honest comments to me. My/our weekend was quite relaxing - simple and bountiful.

Love to you
Gail
peace.....

Gail said...

HI R T

I so enjoy when you stop by. Thanks for your words of understanding.

Love Gail
peace.....

Wanda..... said...

Hi Gail...I'm a new visitor...your post reminded me of an example in which voice tone or body language could clarify it's meaning..."Is that right?" could be typed in anger, surprise, sarcasm, or just asking a question. Enjoyed your post...Bernie and Scribe are mutual friends.

Gail said...

Hi Wanda -

So nice to have you visit - welcome. And yes, tone is very important to the meaning in communication.

I am so happy to meet you and I will go back to your blog again. I was there once or twice but did not comment yet.

And yes, Bernie and Grizz are mututal friends, indeed.

Peace to you
Gail

Wanda..... said...

Thanks for your visit Gail and kind comment Gail...I believe it would be easy to be your friend...

Gail said...

Hi Wanda-

What a lovely thing to say - :-) "Thank you"

Love and peace to you
Gail

anne partain said...

Hi Gail, I appreciate you as well, my friend. I especially enjoy that you give heartfelt comments and that you share of yourself both on your blog and in your comments. I love the heart connection I feel with you. Love to you, Anne

Gail said...

Hi ANne-

Thanks for visiting and sharing. I try to keep it real, ya know? :-=)
and yes, a heartfelt connection indeed.

Love to you
Gail
peace.....

Bernie said...

Gail did you post then take it down? One was showing on my reader but when I clicked on it, it said page not found. Wasn't sure if it was me or my computer....:-) Hugs

Gail said...

Hi Bernie-

I DID post and I DID take it down!! So it is not you or your computer. :-)

Love to you
Gail