Did you ever stop and think about your idea of things that are done differently than you would do them or of things that are simply different than what you would prefer they are? I have and find it an interesting experience. I actually learn from it; am often humbled by it and usually find myself asking questions as a result of the process.
For example, a few winters ago at Rosa Khutor, Russia, while attending the Paralympic Games, the downhill ski race was completed with a single run versus two runs as is traditional for that and other alpine races. I understand why they did it but didn’t like it. According to one of the Paralympic skiers herself, not many women even like skiing the downhill race for the simple reason that it is so dangerous. So, if they are going to make up for a mistake they make in the race, they must do so in that race. Those who were fast at Rosa Khutor completed the race in just over a minute and a half. That doesn’t provide much time to make up for mistakes made. I prefer a second run to provide the drama of closing the gap or coming from behind to win, but have to respect the judgment of those who know significantly more about the sport and its inherent dangers than I.
Another example that stands out from the Sochi trip was that there were no Starbucks coffee shops anywhere to be found. In fact, it was rare to see people walking about with a carryout cup of coffee in their possession. That, of course, is dramatically different than what most of us are used to, and not my preference. Having to sit down in a restaurant and drink “stuff” that doesn’t even resemble French Roast out of a small cup with a saucer under it . . . are you kidding me?!?!
Seriously, there are several other examples that I could rattle off just from that memorable trip that I could use to illustrate my biases or prejudices if you will. In fact, there were so many differences encountered that at times, the experience felt quite surreal. When surreal situations occur in my life, I stop and think about the circumstances. I wonder about what people are thinking. I wonder why it is done so differently there than here. I wonder what in their homes are different than in my home. I wonder if they would like Starbucks better, or is it just me and a few million others who drink it and feel that way. Those seemingly strange moments that cause me to pause are actually useful and increase my sense of valuing that which I often take for granted. I know that I normally don’t think about such things because I am occupied by that which crops up during ordinary times. How about you?
When I thought about the many differences experienced during the trip, I felt humbled that I hadn’t often had such thoughtful times before. After all, we in America can choose either Dunkin Donuts or Starbucks and that is only a matter of preference, not of cultural indoctrination.
As I thought about the many differences, I also thought about the people who live there, and about what they valued and how they thought. It was an interesting exercise that drew me to one major question – not about them, but about me. Why then, don’t I think this deeply about those around me all the time? After all, are we not all different from one another and uniquely woven together in our mother’s womb? Of course, our preferences will be varied, and how we view others and the world often in contrast or even conflict with one another. Take work for example, when others do things differently than we do or don’t meet our expectations we can become upset or disappointed. What then should we do with such circumstances?
I tried to learn some of the Russian language prior to making the trip. I fell short of what I wanted to accomplish, but I was able to learn several valuable phrases. For example, I was able to ask the Russians if they understood English. I was told “no” many times and I knew then I needed to either revert to my own primitive version of sign language or simply look for help elsewhere. I attempted to talk to them in their language so that I could show them that I cared enough to try to speak their language and that I wasn’t assuming that they would cater to me. I wanted to understand them better as people, a culture, and a nation.
Sometimes here at home in the U.S. I think I should do a whole lot more of what I attempted to do in Russia. I was very conscious of the potential barriers, behavior differences, and preferences. I tried not to take anything for granted and I tried to let them know that they were important to me. If I always behave here as I did in Russia, perhaps my focus will be more on where it needs to be. Perhaps my sensitivities regarding the value of life will be greater. It is amazing what one can learn when not understanding the language of another and actually contemplating that fact during an everyday coffee break! Imagine if the entire world did that!