Life will put specific people in front of you with beliefs that directly contradict those you currently hold and have the appearance of being more successful as beliefs.

This is not a coincidence.

It’s a gift.

The contradiction’s purpose is to show or remind you of the beliefs currently running your life so you may adjust accordingly and become either more or less steadfast in your beliefs (after following a line of enquiry discussed below).

By showing you “look, this person thinks the opposite of you”, life shows you exactly what you think and how strongly you think it (depending on how much and how easily you can be swayed).

The wise response is not to automatically grip more tightly to your beliefs (even though this might be the ultimate outcome).

And do not make assumptions about the other person’s belief system. You will have biases against or for them based on their social and financial status.

You must manage these biases by dismissing them.

Instead, ask the person who believes the opposite as you as many questions as you can about why they believe what they believe.

You might stumble upon what you think might be ‘errors’ or ‘mistakes’ in how they think.

Do not point this out to them, at least not immediately. Let go of the judging mind.

Just keep asking questions.

People need help articulating what they think they know to be true for them.

The more they differ from you, the more you will learn. They will also learn more about themselves in the process.

In addition, this is a gift to the other person.

Curiosity towards another is the most generous form of attention.

And the most fertile ground for connection.

Respect and honour another person’s experience with all your questions.

You will advance lifetimes by learning from another’s inner life.

They will teach you what life requires you to know either about yourself or another so that you an make the necessary progress.

In the end you will either hold your existing beliefs more firmly and act in greater alignment and accordance.

Or they could change your entire perspective and course of action in a way that supports your progress more.