(Distinctions are subtleties of language that, when gotten, cause a shift in a belief, behavior, value or attitude.)

 

Truth. The word alone can trigger an emotional response. Who’s truth? Your truth or my truth? What, indeed, is true?

Since truth is tied to both data and beliefs, some truth is verifiable in time and space and some isn’t. Does it hold up to testing? Does your truth help you have a better life? It’s your experience of your truth that is important.

Dogma is something which may have been true at one time, but may no longer be. Or at the least, it may now be irrelevant. As children we tend to accept everything we hear at face value, as the truth. [Or we reject everything we hear, but that’s a different topic!] It’s useful for you to review what you have held as being true for a long time. You may discover some dogma.

By the way, if someone else’s truth works for them, but not for you, then it’s not your truth. Period. They’re not wrong and you’re not right. As the old saying goes, “There are many paths to the mountain top.” Trust what feels true for you.

 

Coaching Point: Does this Distinction ring true for you?

 

Copyright 2010 Steve Straus. All rights reserved.