A contemplative practice where we observe people fully before assigning value, disrupting the automatic favoritism that emerges from incomplete perception and projection.
Rabia's devotional practice centered on witnessing the Divine in all forms. Applied to favoritism, this becomes a practice of truly seeing people: their struggles, potential, and worth independent of whether they serve us. Favoritism thrives in ignorance and projection. We favor those we've flattened into useful categories—'high performer,' 'loyal friend,' 'problem child'—rather than those we've genuinely witnessed. When we practice presence over preference, we create the conditions for equity. A manager who takes time to understand each team member's actual gifts, constraints, and aspirations naturally treats them more fairly. A parent who witnesses each child's unique temperament and needs becomes less subject to automatic favoritism based on ease or similarity. This practice costs us efficiency and comfort but gains us accuracy and humanity, restoring the dignity of being truly seen—a prerequisite for authentic belonging.
Peri can explain this concept, give practical examples, help you decide whether it applies to your situation, or recommend a journey if appropriate.
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