Picture yourself strolling along a picturesque trail, enjoying the beauty of nature. Suddenly, you spot a dog beside a tree, which appears to be a friendly, charming little fellow from afar (assuming you’re a dog lover, of course!). Just as you’re about to let out a coo of admiration, the dog turns on you, snarling and lunging menacingly. You're caught off guard and think that the dog is a dangerous creature. But then, you glance at the dog's hind leg and see that it's ensnared in a trap, bloodied and tangled. The poor animal is frightened and acting out of self-defense.

In that moment, your perspective shifts, and you feel compassion for the trapped dog. You want to help free it from the trap. The same can be said about our experiences with harm, whether we cause it or receive it. Reframing and taking a different perspective can be helpful.

When we feel free, open, and a sense of belonging, we show up in our lives with openness and less reactivity. On the other hand, if you've gone through trauma, pain, or experienced other difficulties, you are more likely to react from a limited sense of self. Although this doesn't justify acting out aggressively, often, people are "trapped" just like the dog, responding out of fear and self-defense, and might not even realize it.

If you can empathize with the trapped dog, why not try to extend that same empathy to others in your life? Rather than assuming the worst of someone, try to understand the root of their behavior, and approach them with kindness and compassion. This perspective shift can help to defuse conflict and create more meaningful connections with those around you.