49 Men and Women, Orlando.
Alton Sterling, Baton Rouge.
Philando Castile, Minnesota.
5 Police Officers, Dallas.
3 Police Officers, Baton Rouge.
The last month has been a mind-blurring series of tragedy, grief and anger.
The mindless deaths are enough. But the blame, name-calling and side-choosing that follow in the press and on social media only add heat to the fire.
Since then, some of my friends and colleagues were busy pointing fingers and name-calling during last week’s Republican National Convention. This week, other friends and colleagues are doing the same during the Democratic National Convention. The level of vitriol is high.
What to do when the world goes mad?
At times like these, it’s easy for me to get caught up in my sense of righteousness. I shake my head in shock at how bad others can be. How awful, how mean, how violent, how hateful. I would never, could never. I am not at all like that. And then I remember…
- I still hold grudges toward people who have hurt me.
- I sometimes speak ill of people who anger or disappoint me.
- I can occasionally finger-point and name-call with the best of them.
Nurturing an old grudge is not the same as shooting people, and speaking ill of someone is not on par with murder. But while I am distraught about the state of the world and some of the people in it, there are things I can do today to make it – and me – a bit better, kinder and more compassionate. I can…
- Release an old grudge and forgive someone who has hurt me.
- Speak kindly of people when they anger or disappoint me.
- Remain silent when I want to finger-point or name-call.
Give it a try. And then try it again.
Let’s discuss ways your business or organization can promote dignity and respect in tumultuous times through Mindfulness.
