Image of Mary Stewart sourced from the British Columbia Women's Institute website: www.bcwi.ca/blog/ Submitted by June Crandall, Contributing Author
Part 2 continues with an analysis of the Women’s Institute Creed written in 1904 by a lady by the name of Mary Stewart. (see January edition of the e-magazine for Part 1)
In a world increasingly defined by the growing interest in social media, the call to put away all pretence and meet each other face to face—without self-pity and without prejudice—carries significance. Authentic physical connection can seem like (for some) an act of courage, of vulnerability, and hopefully mutual respect.
Part 2 continues with an analysis of the Women’s Institute Creed written in 1904 by a lady by the name of Mary Stewart. (see January edition of the e-magazine for Part 1)
In a world increasingly defined by the growing interest in social media, the call to put away all pretence and meet each other face to face—without self-pity and without prejudice—carries significance. Authentic physical connection can seem like (for some) an act of courage, of vulnerability, and hopefully mutual respect.
“Let us be done with fault-finding and leave off self seeking; putting away all pretence and meet each other face to face without self-pity, and without prejudice.”
What is pretence and the potential outcomes
Pretence – or façade, a sham, make-believe – is the act of presenting a false image, whether to protect oneself, gain approval, avoid conflict or something else. Persistent pretence erodes trust and prevents meaningful relationships from being established and nurtured. When individuals conceal their thoughts, feelings, or identities, walls are created that can hinder true understanding, possibly lead to loneliness and often misunderstanding, and even alienation.
The Role of Self-Pity
Self-pity is a subtle barrier to genuine connection to people which traps individuals in a narrative of victimhood thus making it difficult to see others clearly or take responsibility for one’s own actions. Focusing on the suffering of others rather than self leads to genuine conversation and understanding for those individuals. By letting go of self-pity, we are open to both give and receive support.
Recognizing and Releasing Prejudice
Prejudice (according to Merriam-Webster) is an irrational attitude of hostility directed against an individual, a group, a race, or their supposed characteristics. It colours our perceptions and interactions, often resulting in negative responses or behaviours. Meeting others without prejudice requires the absence of self and the use of humility. We must question our assumptions and morality. We must approach each person as an individual worthy of respect regardless of background or difference.
The Power of Honest Encounters
To meet each other face to face without pretence, self-pity, or prejudice is to engage in honest, direct, and compassionate communication. Such encounters foster trust, deepen understanding, and strengthen the bonds that hold families, workplaces, and communities together. They also allow for constructive disagreement and growth, as people are more likely to listen and learn from those they truly see and who truly see them.
Pretence – or façade, a sham, make-believe – is the act of presenting a false image, whether to protect oneself, gain approval, avoid conflict or something else. Persistent pretence erodes trust and prevents meaningful relationships from being established and nurtured. When individuals conceal their thoughts, feelings, or identities, walls are created that can hinder true understanding, possibly lead to loneliness and often misunderstanding, and even alienation.
The Role of Self-Pity
Self-pity is a subtle barrier to genuine connection to people which traps individuals in a narrative of victimhood thus making it difficult to see others clearly or take responsibility for one’s own actions. Focusing on the suffering of others rather than self leads to genuine conversation and understanding for those individuals. By letting go of self-pity, we are open to both give and receive support.
Recognizing and Releasing Prejudice
Prejudice (according to Merriam-Webster) is an irrational attitude of hostility directed against an individual, a group, a race, or their supposed characteristics. It colours our perceptions and interactions, often resulting in negative responses or behaviours. Meeting others without prejudice requires the absence of self and the use of humility. We must question our assumptions and morality. We must approach each person as an individual worthy of respect regardless of background or difference.
The Power of Honest Encounters
To meet each other face to face without pretence, self-pity, or prejudice is to engage in honest, direct, and compassionate communication. Such encounters foster trust, deepen understanding, and strengthen the bonds that hold families, workplaces, and communities together. They also allow for constructive disagreement and growth, as people are more likely to listen and learn from those they truly see and who truly see them.
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