Guest writer for mynzdreamblog
Did it ever occur to you, as an adult, that there’s one lesson we learned as a child that
has never changed?
There were many lessons learned in our youth that made us
wonder if we’ll ever need this in life. Like algebra, long division, or the Dewey
decimal system. Those things you might never use in adult life. But there is one
thing we continue to strive towards, even today. One universal lesson. A lesson
that crosses race, economics, education level, and gender. A lesson that has
massive power in connecting human beings. A lesson that allows us to live
together in our melting pot world. A lesson that provides solutions to conflict, to
diversity, equity and inclusion, to war, to hatred and intolerance.
One lesson that has never changed…The Golden Rule. Let me refresh your
memory. The Golden Rule rests in many religions throughout the ages. It is a
universal testament of kindness, that shows both value and appreciation of one
another. Simply stated, “do unto others as you would have them do unto you”.
It has also been translated as “what you wish upon others, you wish upon
yourself”, a principle of reciprocity. To be treated as you would want others to
treat you. If we could live up to this one rule, imagine a world of peace, acts of
human kindness, the ending of poverty, the sharing of supplies, the generational
wealth. But we lost sight of the Golden Rule. We fight for land, kill to gain more,
lie to overpower, cheat to win, we consume without recycling, and for what?
What are we gaining and at what cost?
What lessons are we teaching the next generation? Are we leading by example
and, if so, where are we taking them? Let us pause. No, let us stop and think about
the many lessons learned from our youth, surrounding character, and integrity.
Take a look in the mirror and ask yourself, are you living the Golden Rule.
The good news is we can begin today and live in a world where we are concerned
with the well-being of others. Let us for a moment stop, turn around and head
back to that small classroom where we learned our many firsts. The first time we
made a friend and learned the importance of having a ‘buddy’. The first time we
learned to share, clean up our messes, take a nap, and say thank you. The
one place we felt safe. That small classroom where we learned the one rule that
brings forth genuine kindness. Treat others as you would like to be treated.
Lately, I have been training on conflict resolution and how to deal with angry
people. I have been training for more than 20 years and it now seems clear
that I’m training more today on emotions and providing techniques to resolve
conflict than ever before. Maybe it just went unnoticed, but my most taught
classes are on service attitudes, emotional intelligence, and effective
communication. Here’s what I learned. It’s about empathy. The ability to see
someone without preconceived biases. Then the next lesson is to choose our
words wisely. Thinking about the Golden Rule allows us to remember what we say
matters. Let us lift one another up, inspire one another, treat each other fairly, and help each other in need.
For a few minutes close your eyes and listen to your surroundings. Those sounds
might be children playing, a bird singing, the AC turning on and off, or a dog
barking. Just listen to the sounds. For each sound you hear, you have
automatically placed an image in your mind. That sound created an image, and
you followed that image with a feeling. Think of that sound as having a pre-made
image based on its perception of a past experience. That’s the bias we use to
determine our responses. That’s how we forget about the Golden Rule. Now take
those sounds and allow yourself to be led by inquisitiveness. Seek clarity and
understanding and choose your words wisely when responding.
The Golden Rule is not that hard to execute. It’s easy to remember and easy to
teach. Let us apply it now. Stop, think before you speak. When you speak, even in
discourse, let it be clear, and concise, remembering to be empathic and relatable.
Wish upon others what you wish upon yourself.
May you speak words of positivity, seek people that are open-minded, show daily
gratitude, remain passionate about your desires, stay motivated into action, and
be an inspiration to others. And may you treat others as you wish to be treated!
Your Friend, Sheryl
If you would like to write for mynzdreamblog please email elisebrooke771@gmail.com
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