Saturday, August 24, 2013

A Tradition of Appreciation


Our culture is very harsh and only rewards certain criteria.

Also, those kinds of rewards come from the outside.

When I have the opportunity to share my appreciation of someone else, it gives both of us a lift.

I especially like to let parents of my students know that they are doing a good job raising their kids because they are.

People recognize what is good and wonderful about themselves.

We all need to hear those things.

The traditional things that we have been harassed into believing are good, turn out not to be.

The really old traditional things like family and honesty and fulfilling work do turn out to be true.

I am glad I can give weight and time to expressing appreciation for the things that are real and good.

Even though it is in the face of finely tuned expensive advertising, sincerity does have a different feel to it.

People, being real, respond differently to honest communication, rather than constant sales pitches.

Giving authentic appreciation helps people tune into who they really are.

Its like a deep breath of fresh air.

Nothing is required of them except being themselves, their true selves.


© 2013 Kathryn Hardage
www.InspiredPractices.com

Tuesday, August 6, 2013

What Is Our New Shared Vision?


Are we still going to accept the shared vision that got us to this point?

Or are we going to actively design the vision we want to see?

Our old shared vision had competition over finite resources.

Can we create new ways of using and recycling what’s left in a way that is compassionate and takes care of everyone?

Our old vision had better living conditions for people based on their ability to control tax dollars.

Can we create laws that are favorable to everyone?

Our old vision had better educational resources based on neighborhood tax dollars, as well.

Can we create a new vision that includes equality, liberty and fraternity for everyone and values our young people as the most important investment a country can make?

Ca we create an economic system based on cooperatives where people have a say in their employment and its policies?

Can we create an practice which values each person’s individuality and helps promote it?

If we can imagine it and write about it and converse about it, we can redesign it.

Let’s get to it.


© 2013 Kathryn Hardage
www.InspiredPractices.com

If you would like a downloadable version of this meditation, please go to:
http://www.inspiredpractices.com/SV/Shared_Vision/Shared_Vision/Entries/2013/8/6_What_Is_Our_New_Shared_Vision.html