Shifting the Focus

This image, shared by Janelle Riki-Waaka at a recent workshop that I attended, really struck a chord with me.

Janelle shared the image to highlight how our perceptions may not always be correct.  For example, because a family does not turn up to whanau hui does that mean that they do not support their child's learning? .......or is there something that we are missing?  By turning the lens to focus on how WE might have contributed to the situation, we might see things from different perspective? Perhaps the timing wasn't right for them, maybe there were child care issues, perhaps they don't believe that their views will be listened to, or maybe their reluctance to participate goes back further than this generation and lies in the way that their parents experienced our education system.

This image and the idea of turning the lens on ourselves has provided the vehicle for much reflection over the past two weeks.
I wonder how often we draw conclusions or make judgements without perhaps knowing the 'back story' that accompanies the decisions that have been made? 

Perhaps we should not only turn the lens on ourselves but also try to step into the shoes of others.