Expanding Their Vision
Nine Ways To Help Others Awaken to Consciousness1. Living by your values allows you to become a positive source of inspiration for others. Don’t hide – express yourself and embrace life without reservation. By simply being yourself, you can help the people in your life see how one person can make a difference by being a living example of consciousness.
2. When you communicate your views, do so casually and in a nondogmatic manner. Allow the people you speak with to ask questions. Offer only as much information as they are ready to hear.
3. Igniting the spark of consciousness can be as easy as giving someone a gift. A favorite book, a medicine bag, or a beautiful gemstone can pique your loved ones’ curiosity and prompt them to begin an exploration of the soul.
4. Teaching a friend, relative, or colleague to meditate or chant can put them on
the path to consciousness while simultaneously reducing their stress levels.5. Others may want to know more about living consciously but are unsure of how to
begin. Starting a discussion group – even a virtual one – can help you reach out to individuals that are eager to learn.6. By recognizing and acknowledging the inherent value in everyone you encounter, you can teach them how to value others. Sometimes, the easiest way to encourage people – even challenging ones - to respect others is to respect them first.
7. Invite people from your personal and professional lives to join you in attending a ceremony or ritual. The experience may touch them in a profound way or introduce them to a new spiritual path.
8. Casually point out the interconnectedness of all living beings using concrete, everyday examples. Many people are unaware of how their actions affect the world and are intrigued when they learn of the power they hold.
9. Introduce your loved ones to conscious living in a lighthearted and enjoyable way. Serve delicious organic recipes at gatherings, volunteer as a group, and show them how wonderful it can feel to be truly aware and connected to the universe.
[from dailyom.com January 30, 2009]
I think there is an important difference between trying to convert others to your way of thinking and trying to inspire. I would never force yoga on anyone; however, it has had such a positive influence on my life and I would love to share it with as many people as possible. I myself am constantly being re-inspired by those who simply live their beliefs. Inspirational leadership is so important, and I hope I can learn to live my life in a way that inspires peace in others.
Inspire is an interesting word. Originally it meant to breathe in and had the sense of bringing something into the mind, often by divine agency. Perhaps this offers interesting insight into why we are so inspired by those who simply live out their values rather than pushing them on others. We can absorb their passion and their ideals simply by breathing them in!
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2 comments:
mm..
Those were couple of interesting points. I like that Daily Om. Sometimes, when I have time, I check its updates, or go through old stuff!
Humm. I think one of them could do it all. However, all those were indeed good.
You are right, there is a big distinction between trying to convert others to your way of thinking and trying to inspire others. There is quite a thin line. I think it all depends on how the person interprets and see it!
:)But that was a real good point. I could relate!
Oh, I missed this post before. Thanks for it! My mind is tired so I won't expand too much, but it strikes me as important for myself as teacher and academic, as well as for myself as human. (Hmmm, re-phrase that so they aren't mutually exclusive. Ha!) Number 2 I find particularly so. Thanks also for your etymological observation about "inspire." That's something I can and will continue to mull over productively.
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