We observe an action or situation and naturally our minds began to process it. From the observation we make conclusions, unfortunately the conclusions we tend to climb towards are those that are negative or reflect poorly on others or ourselves. We assume the worst about others or infer they are assuming the worst about us.

Someone walks into a meeting late or misses the meeting all together.

You didn’t receive a Christmas card from a long-time friend.

A text or email you sent isn’t responded to in a timely manner or at all.

Someone you know seemed to ignore you at the store.

Someone at church hasn’t been volunteering to help lately.

A neighbor hasn’t been taking care of their yard.

It’s these and the hundreds of other daily situations we encounter that can provide opportunity to practice/train intentional responses that seek the good, assume the best, and offer grace to our neighbors, co-worker, spouse, child, neighbor, the teenager bagging your groceries who appears distracted, and ourselves. Plato stated it best by reminding us to be kind to everyone, understanding that all of us experience battles that are unseen to others.

“This is important because our behavior is affected by our assumptions or our perceived truths. We make decisions based on what we think we know,” said author Simon Sinek.

in·fer·ence / inf(ə)rəns/ noun: a conclusion reached on the basis of evidence and reasoning.

Synonyms: deduction, conclusion, reasoning, conjecture, speculation, guess, presumption, assumption, supposition, reckoning

How is this ladder of inference concept related to your health? Next time your mind climbs towards assuming the worst, when pause is not taken to better understand a person’s actions/responses or lack of, consider how your mind likely goes up the ladder higher, the way of most of us: speculating, presuming, concluding the negative. Now, pause to observe your heart rate, your breathing, the tightness of your jaw or neck. Our bodies physically respond to the climb our minds take.

Responding by assuming the best, offering a kind response, or seeking to understand through a simple, respectful question of inquiry can not only improve your own health but the wellness of those we offer kind attention to. Our inferences impact the health of our communities, worksites, schools, and family. Let’s practice seeing the good in others and growing more of it in ourselves.

Want to learn more about ladder of inference concept and how it impact relationships?

For more, visit www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newTMC_91.htm

Wellness Wednesday tip

Thursday is World Kindness Day. Little gestures of kindness can restore a sense of humanity. Donate food, clothes or books to your local community; it’s a great way to celebrate!