What I've learned about analyzing: Don't judge. Wow, that's hard! It's much easier to judge than to really think. We can move on with our lives so much quicker; get on with what we think is the right way. Ask questions. Sometimes we look at something and right away it fits what we like. We think, "What a GREAT idea!", but if we stop and ask questions we may see a different, bigger picture and come to a different conclusion. Interpret based on evidence that our questions unearth. So broad a statement, but so narrow. Sometimes evidence is right before us. There is evidence of shadows in the photo, but the question then is do they have significance? What is the significance? What does that mean to me today? Sometimes it is asking the questions that lead us to search for evidence, to do research, to understand the full ramifications of what's being said or done. Interpretation is still somewhat subjective, but with evidence it can become closer to objective. Analyzing can create wedges between viewpoints because it's effort and change that may have to take place in one's own thinking and that's not comfortable! But maybe that's the whole point -- move us from comfortable (possibly wrong) to uncomfortable, but able to be worked with, right (or at least better).
I find analyzing to be somewhat difficult when it is on a piece of work that I would normally not even read, look at, enjoy and that is where my judgment is coming in -- the very first thing I'm supposed to suspend in analyzing! UGH!! Working on that comfort level. I'm sure it will open me up to more people, better understanding of them as individuals, and thus a better nurse! And maybe even a better citizen in this world society?
