Shattering the Group Dynamic
Picture it...a group of people, some friends, some strangers, all in the same place, drawn together by their own individual wants, needs, or desires.
To glance over the scene most seem happy or at least content. Escaping the obvious is that each one is there for different reasons. Some are there to work, some to meet friends, some simply to be around other people, some to enhance their happiness, some to induce artificial happiness, and others to elude reality. Just under the surface, behind their outer-projected masks, are the real people in this group.
The cheerful worker may be angry over a work situation. The outspoken, bubbly one may have just fallen in love or experienced great personal loss. The quiet one sitting alone may be infatuated with the outspoken, bubbly one. The two obvious friends may be out to have some fun, work on their friendship, or one might be providing emotional support for the other. The possible variations are staggering and endless. Yet, to overlook the group, all seems fine.
The next time you find yourself in a group of people, whether you know them or not, take a moment to examine the group and realize all may not be as it seems. Then look inside yourself. What are you thinking and feeling that contradicts what the group may see of you? You can almost smile to yourself over the secret you hold that eludes the others.
To glance over the scene most seem happy or at least content. Escaping the obvious is that each one is there for different reasons. Some are there to work, some to meet friends, some simply to be around other people, some to enhance their happiness, some to induce artificial happiness, and others to elude reality. Just under the surface, behind their outer-projected masks, are the real people in this group.
The cheerful worker may be angry over a work situation. The outspoken, bubbly one may have just fallen in love or experienced great personal loss. The quiet one sitting alone may be infatuated with the outspoken, bubbly one. The two obvious friends may be out to have some fun, work on their friendship, or one might be providing emotional support for the other. The possible variations are staggering and endless. Yet, to overlook the group, all seems fine.
The next time you find yourself in a group of people, whether you know them or not, take a moment to examine the group and realize all may not be as it seems. Then look inside yourself. What are you thinking and feeling that contradicts what the group may see of you? You can almost smile to yourself over the secret you hold that eludes the others.