The Art of Respect
We are our own worst critics. What does the voice inside our heads say in the background about our bodies, our mistakes, and our failures? Do we pick at our festering wounds to the extent of intolerance? Do we love or hate who we show up to be? Do we harm or hinder; uplift or inspire? Although respecting oneself can be the least of our priorities, we must learn to love ourselves as we grow and change. How can we nurture our bodies, minds, and spirits through the process of self-discovery? Do we need more quiet alone time, or do we need to step out of our comfort zone be more social? Do we have self-care routines and talk to ourselves with loving kindness? The world would not be the same without all of us here to interact authentically with each other. Know thyself. When we respect ourselves, we can respect others to be themselves.
Speaking kindly and honoring another’s ideas, things, and property is easier when we agree. What happens when someone stands contrary to our beliefs or disregards our right to be ourselves? This is where the rubber meets the road. Can we respect our differences and be courteous with each other without getting into heated arguments and casting stones? Playing into someone’s small-minded ignorance drags us further into separation. Rather than fostering division, can we find commonality and let go of our need to be right? Can we rise above our ideals and release our dogmatic approach of how things ought to be? This does not mean we have to condone poor behavior, rather, it takes us out of the fight and levels the playing field.
The other day I was walking in my favorite stretch of off-grid desert when I spotted a crumpled-up beer can. At first, I couldn’t believe someone could discarded their “good time” into nature’s beauty without any regard. When I picked up the can, I spotted a second one further up the wash, and a dam of fury broke within me. WTF! Seriously, who does that? Where is it okay to defile someone’s backyard? The beast rose from her slumber as the smell of stale beer met my nostrils. My composure was gone.
Is this the root cause of discord in our world? People don’t give a fuck. What does it matter anyway? It’s just a can. Don’t get your panties all up in a bunch. Fuck you! You ignorant motherfucker! Did your mama teach you to be this rude? Pick up after yourself. If you are going to drink and drive, be responsible, an oxymoron I know. When you throw your shit out the window, someone is going to pick it up. Does that make you feel good about yourself? Do you ever think about your impact on others? My words fall on deaf ears and a blank stare.
Finally, the beast has settled her wrath. Although nobody was there to witness my tirade, I got it off my chest. I hiked the litter out of nature’s garden and left no trace. I am not trying to be better than anyone, but there are some things I don’t understand. There is no excuse for bad behavior. It’s difficult to return to respect and courtesy when others have none. This is the dance. There are some people that care and some people who don’t. Going back to respect and courtesy, decide what type of person you choose to be. Ultimately, it’s not about the other person’s lack of understanding, it’s how we choose to respond to the situation.