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Where do you stand?
The earth is warming and polar bears
will be extinct in less than thirty years.
Agree or disagree.
Gay people should have the right to marry, just like heterosexual
people do.
Agree or disagree.
Illegal aliens have a right to be in the Unites States and partake of
our benefits and services.
Agree or disagree.
The shootings at Virginia Tech shows that gun control is necessary,
regardless of the Constitution.
Agree or disagree.
Our military should be pulled out of Iraq.
Agree or disagree.
Our educational system needs revamping.
Agree or disagree.
The President of the United States is wrong.
Agree or disagree.
Rosie O’Donnell is wrong.
Agree or disagree.
There was a time when thoughtful people engaged in debate over issues of
importance and even frivolous ones. We respected others’ opinions even
when we did not agree with them. A good discussion was invigorating, not
demeaning. And name calling was out of bounds.
The times have changed. Listen to talk radio or the television news
stations and you will hear opponents called vile names and their
characters attacked as frequently as their views are. This is considered
entertainment by some. There’s even a name for the more extreme talk
show hosts- “shock jocks”- and, as we now know, at least one company
contracted to have their host use “irreverent and controversial” speech
as part of his services.
My concern, and I think many of yours, as well, is that this has become
more the norm and less shocking. It has permeated how adults conduct
themselves and civility has been lost in most areas of life.
Some complain that our children have lost manners and respect. I submit
that we, as a population, young and old, have lost what was once taken
for granted in our behavior with one another- kindness and the civility
that makes for a gentle way of living.
But one person can make a difference. Here’s a short story of how one
little boy changed his classmates, and so the world:
When he became old enough to
understand and strong enough to accomplish it, I asked my son to
begin holding the door for the person behind him and open it for
those coming toward him. At first, he was pleased to get the “Thank
you, what a gentleman.” But he soon began to see that others didn’t
hold the door or went through the one he was holding without even a
recognition that he was there.
He became dismayed, but I comforted him by telling him they probably
didn’t know how to respond since it was so long ago that this had
been done. With my encouragement, he continued to do this and to say
“Thank you” when someone did something nice for him. Lo and behold,
one day he came back from school and told me the children were
holding doors for each other and saying “Thank you.”
A little thing, you say? I say it changed
the world. His corner of the world, but the world nevertheless.
Now what about your world? Can you make it kinder, gentler, more civil
simply by changing your actions toward others? I think you can. I think
you can bring all this into a world that has become mean, rude and
frightening. Just by changing your words, your attitude, your
intentions.
This is what I think will move us toward that better way of living:
- Accept that other may have an
opinion that differs from yours and that it doesn’t make them evil,
stupid, wiser or better. It’s probably that their experiences have
influenced their thinking, just as your experiences have influenced
your thoughts.
- You can disagree without
attacking the other person’s integrity.
- Be careful of how much news and
talk radio you partake of. It dulls the senses, makes us think
cruelty is “normal” and desensitizes us to things which should
always outrage us. It also makes devils out of those who disagree
with us.
- Be careful of “political
correctness”. I think it has done more to promote prejudice and
dullness of thought than anything else in the many years past. It is
used to block critical thought and discussion because no one wants
to be called a “bigot.”
- Keep close to your heart the way
you wish the world to be. That is what you will express.
- Do unto others what you would
have them do to you. It may not be that person who reacts in kind,
but the next one may be the one.
And being a commuter, this can make all
the difference in how the commute affects you and your life. Never be
too hurried to do a kindness or be polite. It will lessen your stress,
increase your healthiness and leave a bright mark on your world.
If you don’t believe me, just try it for a week and see how good you
feel.
Be well,
Dr. M.
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Dr. Mastria is founder of Commuter-Assist.com, which publishes e-books, CDs
and cassettes to help commuters get the most out of their commute and life
in general. Dr. Mastria speaks, offers workshops, and consults to
businesses. She also provides life, wellness, and
executive and business coaching to groups and
individuals. To contact Dr. Mastria email info@Commuter-Assist.com or call 570-839-6394.
All content Copyright © 2007, Dr. Marie A.
Mastria, CLC, PCC / Commuter-Assist.com. All rights reserved. You may
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