Can we be a catylyst for positive change in another?

Question

intentionally.?....or is it ALWAYS up to the other person to begin a CONSCIOUS search first?

Answer 1

We can persuade their way of thinking, if they are open to it. But it's up to them to accept the line of thinking and act on it. So no it's up to them.

Answer 2

you can intentionally model a desired behavior to lead to positive change, but ultimately it's up to the other person to take the necessary steps. your intentions and their intentions... may not be the same. or perhaps they only need a guide.

to make this easier to explain, let's take a concrete example: environmentalism. the other person might be receptive, looking for some way to make a difference. they've read all the studies about sustainable communities, cutting consumption, and caring for the earth. they now have some idea of a cause they'd like to partake in, but are unsure how or where to proceed. you come along, and tell them all about the benefits of permaculture. you show them how it can help each person make a difference. you yourself already do many of the actions that are practiced by permaculture communities. you grow some of your own food and you share it with your friend, and encourage them to help you and grow some of their own. you take them to visit a community where they've used design to maximize food production, and minimize cooling costs. by modeling and demonstrating a potential path to what they were already seeking, you offer them a solution.

imitation is a form of flattery. so if you've modeled well, and explained and demonstrated the hows and whys of said change, ideally the other person will 'pick up' on the message you're sending. they will want to learn more, and how they can perhaps start their own sustenance plot. they might look for a way to start a community garden, and cut down on their consumption. they are looking to you as a role model, and you too should be flattered. you've done well.

your other friend though, is skeptical of any environmental cause. he doesn't agree with the science and doesn't see the benefit of earth care. how do you approach this? the same way... model the desired behavior. don't criticize, they will become defensive. offer carrots, not sticks. if they aren't receptive to you, perhaps you have a friend they WILL listen to. sometimes people have rapport with the most unexpected others.

this person may not change. they may never change. on the other hand, they may TALK about what you've showed them and pique the interest of someone else...

Answer 3

That's a tough one. Love is usually the number 1 if not the only thing that acts as a catalyst for a positive change in a personality. If a person was to consciously search for a reason to change it would generally be something specific like having a wish come true or trusting in something positive and it happening. I don't believe that any one person could be the sole catalyst in changing someone, I think it takes more than one person to change someone, and anyway you would do well not to trust someone who changes over night because of you, healthy change happens over time and then it is a true change. I do believe love can change a person thou so my answer is two people in love mold to each-other and both change, they are catalyst to each-other.

Answer 4

I believe being a catalyst is always intentional, intending the best for another opens that person to the potential that lies within. One must be subtle, I find a 2 x 4 usually does the trick. It's better if they're conscious, then it only takes a little boot in the backside.

Answer 5

Yes we can. The other must be proactive within the process
for a true catalystic event. In that sense, the most we can
do independently is provide an opportunity for the positive
change. In my experience, another's higher consciousness
can be jump started by the involvement of an individual.
However, the other must be the recognizer; the jump
start can't be forced, but might initiate in correspondence
with the other. In my opinion, by being true to ourselves
we set the ideal example for others to be themselves.

Answer 6

Hey, did you notice my ID before?? :-)
I wish I can be a catalyst, but the reaction should occur at that person. I cannot change others at all, it's their will to change themselves.
We cannot judge others if they started conscious search or not, just... wish your best, and help others as much as you can.
One important rule when you try to help others: if you wanted help someone but that person refuse your help, don't be upset or disappointed at all. When you do something, don't have any expectation, just finish your action as soon as the action is done. If you cling to the outcome, you are building your karma.
I'm trying my best and these are my advise as "the catalyst";-) ~ love you, good luck!

Answer 7

Definitely we can be a catalyst for change in others. It frequently happens to me on QA, reading, digesting questions and answers.

Positive change? Sometimes, sometimes neither positive, nor negative, just change.

Intentionally? Probably not. Frequently the changes I experience reading questions and answers have nothing to do with what was intended by the questioner, or the answerer.

It's always up to each of us, what's to occur in us.

Answer 8

I find that when I desire to see change in another, I MUST first change myself. Perhaps this desire is rooted in a dissatisfaction with oneself. I cannot change another person, but, through the desire to do same, I can perhaps wreak great changes in myself, thereby inspiring the other person also to change. This is my goal, anyway. The danger is becoming impatient for change and thus ruining all that good work. I must be mindful and never force changes on another.

Answer 9

NO. You have no way of communicating directly to another person. You may make noises with your mouth but they will only be translated into the other person's belief system and understanding. You aren't even reading what I am saying. You are just translating. You can not change anyone.

Answer 10

It would definitely be easier if the other person is open to change or is consciously seeking for change; but even if the person is not, we can still plant a seed, which can grow when the conditions are right. It takes a lot of effort and patience to raise people's consciousness particularly for those who are not open-minded but it is possible.

Answer 11

well i defiantly believe that the other person must want to change in some manner. but perhaps someone may spark the belief that change is necessary. the truest form of change can only come from within ones self, and for oneself. sometimes very important things in peoples lives may trigger change, for instance, if a woman becomes preganant usually she will stop smoking and drinking cold turkey, for the benefit of her unborn child. i never try to change people, because i truely feel that people only change when they're ready, so i dont waste my time