Develop the habit of
using your senses purposefully focusing your attention on
what you find attractive or interesting. There is a
never-ending ‘parade’ passing you by each day. Ask what
something is … why something is. Everything has a reason for
being. Enjoy fragrances, scents and aromas. Listen to
nature’s sounds … the cacophony of city streets. An
astounding variety of hues ‘courts’ your penchant for
beauty. Incidental … superficial experiencing should
occasionally be ‘interrupted’ by your determination to revel
in the ‘little things’. Never stop ‘playing’ the child
intrigued by the marching of ants. They along with all
creatures present countless opportunities for captivating
encounters. Your spirit will ‘expand’ more and more with
your receptiveness and altruism. Self-absorption …
self-complacency: These common tendencies will be
overwhelmed by your enthusiasm. “Get thee outside thyself …
‘live lives’ not your own.”
moments are precious even when stuck in traffic or waiting
on line
you may ponder what a cargo truck is carrying
focus on outfits ‘parading’ down a street
consider certain occupations … the tasks a professional or
‘worker’ must perform
‘connect’ with strangers often … if only in your mind
be sincere and intrepid in your ‘inquiries’
receptive to another’s skills and goals
everyone has a history … a story
appreciate lives different from your own
you will learn much and empathize more
others’ experiences will become yours
Develop an awe of
nature. Appreciate all that lives … the various
‘manifestations’. Become enamored with nature’s astounding
order and diversity. Every life form is intriguing. Each is
heir to its evolution. How has it managed to survive for
millions of years? Why does it do what it does? Creatures
have held a fascination for centuries. Now as never before
you can easily learn more about them. The delights of
knowing about a bird, a cat or beetle will open your heart
to reverence and a desire to learn more. Everything on earth
is worthy of your inspection. Why? Because all that has
lived and lives is an integral part of creation. AND you are
driven to inquire, to ponder and to know for the sake of
knowing … what has transpired in nature and what is
happening now. Knowledge is certainly beneficial. Many
potent life-saving drugs have been developed thanks to
plants and animals. The much maligned snake with its toxic
venom has been a great resource. For you though … as for
most people … encounters with our furry friends … learning
more about them … lavishing your pet with cooing and stoking
… this universal captivation ‘lifts’ your spirit and
provokes an outpouring of caring and concern. You may
perceive reciprocation by a cute ‘object’ of your affection
… but only you are in awe of nature’s majesty … only you
truly care for all creature … for all plant life … now and
always. A bit grandiose? Your spirit reveals a tender regard
unique in this universe, does it not?
whenever opportunity presents itself
contemplate the beauty and order of the natural world
gaze patiently at insects inspecting their colors …
pondering their prodigious industry
never stop learning about the animals that inhabit this
earth
develop the habit of inquiry
make a list of species you find interesting
you will be appreciating ‘other’ in a simple and exciting
way
and if you become a little restless or ‘tired’ of being
‘earthbound’
gaze at the night sky and marvel at grandeur of the universe
there is so much more for you to explore and discover
Devise ‘quests’. There
is always something interesting to know more about. There
are skills you may wish to develop. In any endeavor start
out with questions. How is this possible? What makes that
work? Can you do it? Why not try? Perhaps archaeology …
woodworking … star gazing … scuba diving. A pursuit will
challenge and enlighten you. Set a goal … hopefully a
reasonable one. Then commit to ‘knowing’ as much as possible
about every aspect of your quest. Seek ‘authorities’ on the
subject: Books, the internet, those already engaged in
similar pursuits. There is a plethora of resources. Be
humble in your initial ignorance. ‘Today’ many expect
instant ‘everything’. Proficiency takes time. You may never
become a ‘master’. This does not matter!! Acquiring
knowledge and skills … you will come away more enlightened …
about yourself … your capabilities … what you are ‘good’ at
… what you enjoy. You will never fail. Pursuing a goal … you
will always be experiencing. The impediments, ‘detours’,
deficiencies you encounter … these add to a more
‘well-rounded’ you. Patience, flexibility, fortitude … some
of the ‘strengths’ you will ‘naturally’ develop. AND equally
important: You will increase your awareness and empathy for
people.
consider what you have wanted to do or learn
decide on one pursuit and ‘give it a go’
seek pertinent knowledge and instruction
compile a list of necessities and also a timetable
begin … be flexible … make adjustments
renew your efforts … praise small ‘successes’
enjoy your incremental progress
share with others as often as possible
what an exciting world this can be!!
Become a better
listener. Everyone has ‘their stories’. Most will welcome
your attention. Parents, siblings, children, friends,
acquaintances, co-workers, service providers: You interact
with them … but do you take the time to listen? Sharing
weather prognostications is one, common way. Trite social
intercourse enhances stability and peace. Showing casual
interest and respect for others can strengthen bonds. People
will regard you as a ‘nice’ person … one who can be trusted.
Very important in society: ‘To get along’. But there can be
more to conversations than token politeness. You can commit
to a deeper understanding of others. To do so you must
develop the habit of asking sincere questions … listening
intently … trying to be open and honest in your responses.
Sensibilities … sensitivities vary. Grandma was ‘raised’ in
a different time, a different place. Teenagers are
experiencing hormonal imperatives. The plumber may not be
fluent in your language. A little diplomacy is wise. But
dialogues can evolve with mutual trust. Often there is a
‘click’ during a conversation … a ‘door’ opens … a ‘guarded
self’ peeks out. An ‘aloneness’ reveals itself. There is a
hope of being understood. You can ‘identify’ with this.
Everyone harbors a need to share … their true selves … their
hopes and dreams … their accrued successes and failures.
Everyone is trying to be less alone … AND appreciated for
who they are. And YOU the good listener are patient and
accepting … your sensitive soul receptive to intimacy.
So take the time as often as possible to focus on another’s
life. Vicarious experiences help you to be more empathetic …
more sympathetic to the plight of others. Occasionally you
may offer solace or advice. Your ‘inner’ life will become
richer … fuller. You will be caring more for others. A
cautionary note: Squash cynicism that occasionally rears its
head. The self-centeredness of others may ‘put you off’. You
may feel ‘superior’. Your pride can become an impediment to
altruism. Knowing your own shortcomings … try practicing a
little humility. Keep in mind: Every person is a spirit
traveling down a road similar to yours. You share the same
resources … encountering fateful challenges and decisions.
You will appreciate this more and more as you become a
better listener.
NEVER STOP TRYING TO ‘BE THERE’ FOR OTHERS: living is so
much more productive when you do
train
yourself to hear what someone is saying
ask questions and make an effort to understand
anonymously eavesdrop in public settings
listen to conversations without compromising someone’s
privacy
reflect on what other’s say
relate to friends interesting stories
emphasize the positive and heart warming
in so doing you will be participating in a larger world
one more fascinating than yours will ever be
Encourage yourself
constantly to be more considerate. Yes, you have your own
priorities … some very personal … sex for example … some
worldly … nice clothes perhaps. Then there are the everyday,
mundane necessities: Being clean, attractive, alert. You
also want to ‘play’: Visit a pub, watch a movie, go sailing.
You have a life after all. But there are ‘beings’ outside
you. Should you accommodate them? How much of an effort
should you make to meet their wants, their needs? Do you
yield to the whims of friends and relatives? Always …
occasionally? Depends on your mood and the situation.
Understandable. And what about casual acquaintances? Do you
depend on a practiced civility … cordiality? Spout common
platitudes sustaining peace and a modicum of mutual respect?
Sure. You live in a society … you ‘get along’. Nothing wrong
with that. You can try to be kind to those ‘close’ to you
because you know you should. You can treat those outside
your ‘inner circle’ with courtesy because you wish to avoid
conflict. Or maybe you rarely breach barriers between you
and ‘strangers’.
Is there a different tact other than this practical
accommodation? A ‘mindset’ of gentle regard for everyone you
meet? Is it possible for you to greet and converse with an
open heart wanting to share and trust? Can you eschew brief,
shallow encounters in favor of ‘connecting’ with others? Of
course. If you are committed to being considerate. Trying
your best to be receptive to another’s situation … friend or
stranger. You can develop a spontaneous graciousness and
equanimity for all. And do not think you can ‘turn this on
and off’ when you wish. You are either genuinely generous
with your concern for others or you remain ‘wrapped up’ in a
stultifying attitude: ‘Me before everyone else’.
Is this getting through? Do you appreciate how important
this is … for you … for your growth … spiritually? Remember
… much of your living is determined by your habits. You must
be serious and consistent in your personal regard for
others. It is quite easy to ‘dismiss’ strangers and ‘lesser
ones’ as unworthy of your attention much less your kindness.
This is a mistake ‘spawned’ and nurtured by pride. Reside in
the ‘muddy waters’ of self-complacency and you risk having a
very limited life experience to say nothing of petrifying
your soul!!
Renew your efforts daily. Acknowledge and appreciate your
common humanity. YOU SHARE THIS WORLD WITH EVERYONE AND THEY
ARE VERY MUCH LIKE YOU. Everyone has his or her own
priorities. Ask yourself what they are. Try making another’s
priority YOUR priority … because you are considerate. And in
this everyday caring for friends AND strangers … more and
more … love will grow … swelling your heart … your whole
being. Is there a better way … to improve … to realize your
potential … to be more secure in your quest for being the
‘best’ you? You have no choice … so get with the ‘program’ …
of caring for ‘other’
make a
commitment to helping those in need
take on little projects such as feeding and clothing the
destitute
practice ‘being there’ for friends and acquaintances
do your best to learn what someone else wants
try to accommodate them even at the cost of personal
sacrifice
this will draw you out of your own self-serving, narrow
world
you will develop empathy, an essential prerequisite for
loving
Be enthusiastic about
what you enjoy or consider important. Maintain a positive
attitude in all your activity. Through all adversity you
decide what your attitude will be. Prod yourself constantly
to focus on the ‘bright side’. Loving is so much easier when
you do. And in your commitment to altruism be confident. It
is sometimes tempting to ‘give up’. Never do. Your genuine
concern for others is sustained by an unshakeable reliance
on your motivation … to ‘do good’. You ‘mean well’ and you
always will!!
Others will respect you for this. They may be influenced to
act in a similar way. So do not be discouraged by walls of
egocentricities you encounter. Your enthusiastic
understanding and caring will tear down many barriers. Your
positive attitude is ‘contagious’ … an inspiration sustained
by an attractive, nurturing phenomenon: Being ‘other
oriented’.
each
day prod yourself to be kind and caring
it is often in the inconsequential that you find your heart
be there for people and be there with a smile
brighten up a stranger’s life with a friendly word
be gracious even elated when you can aid another:
a child who needs encouragement, the enfeebled who can use a
helping hand
take the time and make the effort to love others
you will make a difference in this world … and in yourself
