The way of respect
My father’s uncle was an old school gentleman. Whenever he met a friend, he bowed a bit and politely said hello. A firm handshake and words of kindness, genuine inquiry about family and health. Respect was the name of that time.
Respect is something we are thought as children and something we can intentionally develop through our growing up and as adults.
Good intent is the secret sauce to a kinder society.
As I see it in the media, between politicians and on the streets, respect is a game humanity seemed to has forgotten.
But all is not lost. If we are aware of it, if we try our best to use empathy, to use higher and universal virtues, we still might have a chance to regain respect in our society.
It only takes a bit of effort, a bit of time and a bit of self reflection. Sometimes respect means to listen. Sometimes to respectfully decline. Sometimes to respectfully disagree with someone. And always to be open to a fellow human being.
A few moments of kindness for a lifetime of respect.
Western cultures devoured good old fashioned values. Respect is passé. On the other hand, eastern cultures still cultivate it. As with many other values, maybe we should learn more from the east.
This post is number 17 of my 100 Days of Writing Challenge.
