LISTENING FROM THE HEART
Originally published in The Mancos Times – April 25, 2012
In my listening to others – myself as well – I hear our recriminations with those “responsible” for the cruelty and conflict that exists about our planet. Wars, crimes, abuse, corruption – a worldwide presence of inhumanity amongst us men, women, and children. So many causes to champion, so much that “NEEDS” to be done. So many reasons to be angry, outraged and sad. So many reasons to be at odds with one another over issues like abortion, capital punishment, religion, or “National Security.”
Unfortunately, many of us are doing little but rattling our sabers with futile token efforts toward making a difference, somehow easing our conscience by demonizing another and publicly advertising our outrage with these global concerns. Yet at the same time we may also be ineffective with pain and suffering that exists within arm’s reach of ourselves with family members and friends, that we unknowingly further aggravate ourselves. So easy to be self-righteous isn’t it – effortless, and my, my, doesn’t it feel good being so right and not having to really do anything about changing ourselves?
Certainly, it is not my place to diminish the sincere work and sacrifices that many are making toward “exposing” and righting injustice. My hats off to these crusaders.
I have come to my own opinion, however, as to my role with World Peace – one I would never have imagined I’d take when I was that young idealistic undergraduate student at Carnegie Mellon way back in the late 60s and early 70s, a time of SDS demonstrating on campus, the Weathermen blowing up buildings, hippies with flowers in their hair, Ed Sullivan with the Beatles and the Vietnam War. For me today, it is a clear personal choice – not necessarily the “absolute truth” but it is “my current obvious truth.”
Yes, I too am a crusader as well. My crusade – my mission – is to bring about World Peace one person at a time, starting with myself. To make my best amends with those I have offended and alienated as well. If I am to be a source of peace, harmony, serenity and joy for others must I not be so for myself, beginning with my heart? Nurturing reconciliation through empathy and love for all, compassion for the humanity both good and bad within all of us, within me. So this is my journey to resonate and emanate a “caring” a communicating that convinces others that they matter to me, mirroring back their grandness to them, and be the best possible example of fun, integrity, selflessness and calm inner peace. As I look at my dail “being,” I see where I am inadequate and as such I have much work ahead of me in being a better financial steward, more encouraging father, helpful neighbor, respectful worker, loving son, empathetic brother, and attentive friend – more to learn – being better balanced, more to know, more to show, my labor of love. I understand today that I am a work in progress and have much to be proud of and love about myself as well. Don’t we all?
I am patient with my progress yet resolute with its direction with being a catalyst for World Peace, one person at a time, beginning with myself. With malice towards none, with charity for all, learning how to agree to disagree by respecting the diversity about me.
Michael Starr is the owner of Executive Coaching Services. He can be reached at www.executivecoachingservices.net or by calling 501-585-1302