I knew something was not right. I could not put my finger on it. It seems every time I would express myself to this particular individual they were not able to grasp what I was expressing. So, I thought since my words were not being heard, let me try demonstrating, perhaps that would work. To my dismay I received a blank look, like a deer staring into headlights. What was so clear and obvious to me simply flew right over their head. What they were able to capture they responded with anger, frustration, rejection, and completely shut down towards me and my viewpoints. I would later receive my answer to this mystery from my new washing machine.
It was time to move, which meant packing up everything including my new washing machine. Before, moving further let me clarify that the typical washing machines in Costa Rica are not connected the same way as in North America. In typical Costa Rican’s homes the hose for the water drainage is connected to a tube that may allow the water to run off to the nearest land mark. This could be a garden, ravine or an open field.
I had used my new machine at my original rental residence and it worked perfectly. Once I was settled at my new residence, I place the washing machine in the location that was designated. I plugged it in and loaded it up ready to do my first load of washing. To my dismay the water that was pouring into the tub of the washer kept leaking out of the drainage tube. Now, I was concerned and perplexed. It worked perfectly at the other place. So, I decided perhaps the setting I chose was the issue.
So I turned on the water again that would fill the washing machine tub while changing the settings. Still the water would flow out of the drainage. The tub of the machine was not able to hold the water for the washing to take place. I was now very concerned and frustrated, why was this new machine not working?!!! I guess God and the universe felt my frustration, because at the same moment the owner of the home that I was now renting showed up and asked me, “how is everything?”. I explained my dilemma. He says “let me take a look”. Then he says something that hit me. He says “The machine cannot work because it is not on the correct level”. He adjusted the machine to a different level on the floor. The machine worked!
The key word was “Level”. I finally understood why this particular person was not able to grasp what I was saying. All the times that I was pouring into this person concepts learned over time, my experiences, and thoughts, they were not on the level to receive and retain the information. My words and demonstrations simply entered their ear and quickly exited the next.
Many a times we keep pouring into friends, family members and the ones dearest to our hearts, having the best of intentions only to have them reject and/or ignore us.
Keep in mind if you find yourself in a similar situation that I found myself, there is nothing wrong with that individual or you. It is simply they are not on the level to receive and retain what you are pouring in.
