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Today's
Meditation:
Very
often in our modern cultures we learn that we can
influence people best through the use of words or
manipulation. Usually we find that our influence in
such cases is fleeting, at best. If we've used words
or manipulation, as soon as we're out of the picture, the
people whom we've affected start to doubt themselves and
the message that they've received. "Something's
not right," they think, and that's true. Such
influence simply isn't authentic, especially if we say one
thing and then turn around and do something else.
Our most important influence is on children, for we can
help them to grow up to be happy individuals who
contribute to society-- but only if we provide them with
strong positive examples that they can see
regularly. They are incredibly perceptive, a fact
that we tend to forget, and they learn more from our
examples than they do from our words or our threats.
Many people in positions of authority feel that it's
enough that they tell their subordinates to do things, and
they don't feel that it's important that they follow their
own mandates. But if I want to have an office or a
factory or a restaurant of hard workers who are kind to
others, then I need to be a hard worker who is kind to
others myself. If I treat my subordinates poorly,
they'll tend to treat others poorly, without kindness or
dignity or respect. If I criticize my daughter or
son or start arguments, it's obvious what kind of example
I'm setting for my grandchildren.
All of our decisions should include at least the question,
"What kind of example would I be giving to a child
here?" When we decide to break a law by
speeding or talking on a cell phone while driving, we're
setting an example. When we fasten our seat belts
and follow the rules of the road and drive courteously,
we're also setting an example. And someone sees it--
even if it's only ourselves.
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