This is essentially a re-post from 6/2013.
“I have come to the frightening conclusion that I am the decisive element. It is my personal approach that creates the climate. It is my daily mood that makes the weather. I possess tremendous power to make life miserable or joyous. I can be a tool of torture or an instrument of inspiration, I can humiliate or humour, hurt or heal. In all situations, it is my response that decides whether a crisis is escalated or de-escalated, and a person is humanized or de-humanized. If we treat people as they are, we make them worse. If we treat people as they ought to be, we help them become what they are capable of becoming.” — attributed to both Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe and Haim G. Ginott
An empowering reminder of how mindfulness, free from habit and auto-response mode, can go a long way.
This is challenging to read as I start each class (…and not just because I have trouble pronouncing “Goethe”). I am reminded again and again of the power and opportunity of this special role as teacher. My skills and ability to take right action and do right by these people is magnified. Reaffirming my intention has been key to do the best to serve their highest and my highest.
Another perspective I find interesting is how we treat ourselves personally in thoughts and action. Unfortunately, it may be far from flattering and more “as I am,” or even “worse than I am.”
Are you treating yourself as you ought to be?