Interpreting What We See

Sometimes the very field we are in as caregivers or advocates under one broad definition or another can lend a bias to our observations that is not always in the best interests of those we love and serve. Our conclusions may not reflect what  choices they may rightfully make or want to make.

We may think we know better because of our professional background, or because of our position or status. We may be acting from a conscious desire to keep the ones we love and serve safe from making poor decisions.

Sonya’s experience described below and what she took from it spoke to me strongly of just one example of implicit bias that exists in all good people. It was her Facbook entry posted earlier this morning

Sonya Barsness Consulting

It happened again today. Blue the Elder Dog (Chief Executive of Cuteness and Herding for Sonya Barsness Consulting) and I went for a walk. He walked very slowly and wobbily, breathing heavily. He didn't make it around the block. I picked him up and carried him into the house. As I sat processing this, he came up to me and started barking, nudging his ball towards me. 

Wha????
And it hit me - he is reserving his energy for what is important to him.
How often do we make assumptions about what our beloveds need and want? Do we notice what brings them to life?
And so we played.
Blue the Elder Dog has been promoted to Senior Chief Executive of Wisdom.