August 1, 2011

• Vision of respect

  Reflections

  | See everyone in their highest form

  

  When we give everyone that we meet the highest respect that we can muster, regardless of their attitude, appearance, aspiration, then we will get that much respect in return.

  In my line of work, as a secretary to a politician, I meet different people. There are "leaders" who claim that they contributed a lot for the victory of my boss and so my boss owes them her life; and there are those who would consider my boss as their equal; while there are those who come to the office smelling like they needed a bath, in tattered clothes and looking very miserable, asking for assistance because they have a dying patient or because they have nothing to eat for that day. And then there are the scoundrels, the swindlers who pose as indigents, even using innocent people who genuinely need help just so they could benefit financially.

  Everyday, every hour we meet different people from all walks of life, and how we interact with them speaks a lot about us. 

  Everyday is a challenge for me - my patience and sincerity being tested. I would not say that I deal with these people with high respect all of the time because there are times when I just couldn't stand their presence. My very number one nemesis are hypocrites and people who have this distorted notion of "I own you because I made your politician win". Its distressing and emotionally draining. That is if we get ourselves affected by the situation.

  I guess that if we deal with every people that we meet with equanimity and high regard, if we see them for who they really are - people who are in need, then we would be able to maintain that state of awareness and that loving feeling towards them, regardless of their intention and stature. Yes, some people do take advantage, but then they are just in need for something, the reason why they do what they do.

  Even the most cruel of people have a conscience, one way or the other, else they won't be living with so much insecurity.

  I remember this one politician in my place who is reputed to be their family's trigger man. Meaning, he does the killing and the threatening to ensure that their family retains its power, riches, and influence.

  Looking at him makes me realize how sad his life is. He is surrounded by all these goons with all these firepower. Even during official functions, his goons are all around him. It is a pity really, but this insecurity comes as a price for his tyranny. I would not be surprised if his children are also surrounded by guards, otherwise they risk the ire of his family's victims.

  I have to admit that dealing with this particular person can be very difficult, especially with the air of arrogance that surrounds him. Still, this does not mean that we can't see him with respect. I think that is all that he needs. His soul may be crying for it - "Respect me".

  Others would disagree with me, saying that this person do not deserve respect because of all the sorrow he caused countless of families. But what was the reason for his actions? Was it because he is inherently cruel or because he found the need for it in order for him to get the respect that he desires?

  This soul, I say, is misguided, and to reject him would further bring him away from the truth.

  We have no right to choose who to respect because respect is a treasure that should be shared to everyone, if we want to enjoy it and decorated with it. When we say that it is our right to choose who to give our respect, that is arrogance.

  Giving respect though, needs practice, and I for one has this deep need to inculcate it in my life so as for me to better face the challenges that I encounter every day. I think it starts with our vision. How we see people and how we see ourselves. 

  If we start looking at people with high regard, then treating them with the same regard would be easy.

  How do you show respect?

  
  

  • 12:27 am
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