c2003 Gail Pursell ElliottnnnTashi Delay is a Tibetan phrase that people use to greet one another. Translated it means, "I honor the greatness in you."
If each of us greeted the people we encounter by first honoring the greatness in them, we would have to stop and look for it.
We would have to adjust our focus. We would look again or "re-spect" the individual in order to do this.
We have come to a point in history where treating one another with dignity and respect is no longer an option. All people want and have the right to be treated with dignity and respect, without exception. We have desired this for an eternity. We have based many movements and philosophies and even religious movements on this concept and desire.
Each of us is responsible for our own response – once we realize that we have the power to choose and exercise that power without giving control of it to situations we can set the example for others. We cannot change anything but our own perspective and response, yet in that changing we change the world around us by becoming an instrument of insight and awareness.
Think of how different the world would be if each person stopped to honor the greatness in others. How difficult would it be to treat someone unkindly? How difficult would it be to act without ethics? How difficult would it be to be dishonest?
The only way we can achieve this is to start within us. What we focus on becomes our reality, whether positive or negative. Each of these perpetuates itself with the energy that we direct towards it. Therefore it follows that we cannot fight evil with evil or evil will be enhanced. This is why it is said not to resist evil no matter how difficult it may be. To resist it we must act in kind, to speak in a language that evil understands to meet it on its own terms.
One of the hardest things to do in life is to remain true to our vision in the face of situations that appear to be extremely negative. The closer we get to that inner truth the more obstacles it seems are tossed our way. Yet it is a worthwhile mission.
Connecting with that greatness within each of us can change our world for the better. Many feel powerless in today’s world to make a difference. Nothing could be further from the truth!
Each of us has a mission, a reason for being in the present moment, with something that only we can do to impact it. Whether the impact seems large or small it is still essential.
Finding one’s mission is compelling and is both a freeing and captivating experience. For while the mission sets us free it also binds us to it with the commitment that we have to it. Once we set out on this course, we may find it impossible to turn back. Nothing is ever the same again.
Having a mission gives us the courage to face the unknown with purpose. Part of that personal mission may be to simply to learn to see and to honor the greatness in us and in others.
Have a great day and be good to yourself. You deserve it!
Gail
Food for Thought is part of the Dignity and Respect message that is Innovations. If you enjoyed this Food For Thought message, please share it with people you know. Honor the copyright and forward this email in its entirety. For permission to reprint in a newsletter or publication, to use in your classroom, or to reproduce on your website, contact Gail at
info@innovations-training.com or 515.388.9600
Book Review –
School Mobbing and Emotional Abuse: See It Stop It Prevent It with Dignity and Respect nnn"Were you ever bullied, ganged up on, or picked on as a kid back in school? Sure, we all were. But today such attacks are taken a bit more seriously -- and rightly so, for they can easily turn deadly. As Gail states, "Mobbing is terrorism." The book deals with the issue from the perspective of all parties concerned -- the victim, the parents, the school staff, and even the perpetrator -- and it explains what each must do to resolve the situation. Part 1 of the book defines mobbing and its psychology, discusses school policies and how they can be improved, how people can help the victim, teaching dignity and respect to students, and the process of healing after a mobbing. Part 2 is a series of essays that can be used in the classroom to promote dignity, respect, insight, and awareness."n- Mensa Bulletin, September 2003
DIGNITY AND RESPECT SCHOOL PROGRAMS FROM INNOVATIONSnRecommended by The National Alliance for Safe Schools nStaff Training, Parent and Community Programs, Student Workshops, Classroom and Assembly Programs.
I would welcome the opportunity to work with the students and staff in your state and community! nTake A Stand Against School Violence and Emotional Abuse.nPromote Dignity and Respect, No Exceptions.nPlease share this information with others and contact me for more information about the above programs or to schedule a professional Training, Seminar, Conference Presentation, or Dignity and Respect Leadership Institute.
"Innovations bridges the gap between the spiritual and the bottom line by promoting Dignity and Respect, No Exceptions, through speaking, training, human resources consulting and writing."
Gail Pursell Elliottn"The Dignity and Respect Lady"nInnovations "Training With A Can-Do Attitude" TMnBox 552, Roland, IA 50236-0552n515-388-9600n515-231-8828 cell/voice
mailnwww.innovations-training.comninfo@innovations-training.comnPromoting Dignity and Respect, No Exceptions.nIn Companies and Communities Nationwide.