Power and integrity
When we think of the word power many images might come to mind. We might think of an engine, a hurricane, tornado or other “natural force”. We might also think of a boss or some other person in a position of authority. If one is religious one might imagine the power of the God of their understanding . Many might think of the power of an illness such as cancer, addiction or kidney failure. Some might, especially at this time in the United States, think of the power of the political system or its representatives.
Every morning I write down and spare my spiritual intention for the day. This morning my spiritual intention was to refuse to give other people or events the power to determine my attitude or behavior. For many of us, it is very tempting to react rather than to act. Speaking just for myself, it is easy to accept an invitation from another person or an event to an action which is inconsistent with my core values. If, for example, another person is angry and critical I can easily fall into trap of responding in kind. My stated value system is to treat others with love and respect no matter how they behave. No one can stop me from acting thusly no matter what they do or do not do. Yet, when someone is critical of me my first thought is to defend myself or to become critical of the other person. This just happened yesterday. Fortunately, the criticism was delivered via an email and I had time to take a breath and think about how my value system should dictate my response. I also decided to share the email and my response with a friend. Sharing it was my way of asking for help in being accountable for my actions.
The longer I live the more I am remined that true power comes from letting go of power; from accepting my powerlessness. My only power in this very brief life journey is to hold on to my values; to act in a way which is consistent with those values. No matter what any of us do or do not do we will soon bid adieu to his life journey. No matter what titles or degrees we hold; no matter how much money we have or do not have; no matter what projects are completed, or dreams made manifest, in another few seconds this journey will end. My only permanent possession is the extent to which I do my best to maintain my personal integrity. My integrity is dependent on the extent to which I act on the basis of my stated core value system irrespective of other people or events.
Obviously I am very human, and I am not going to achieve this goal 100%. I can, however, strive to be intentional about my behavior. I can also resolve to quickly notice when I accept an invitation to a space or action which is inconsistent with my core values system, notice it, stop reacting and stop blaming my behavior on other people or events. For me this is the only power which, in the long run, is important.
Written October 8, 2020
Jimmy F Pickett
coachpickett.org
When we think of the word power many images might come to mind. We might think of an engine, a hurricane, tornado or other “natural force”. We might also think of a boss or some other person in a position of authority. If one is religious one might imagine the power of the God of their understanding . Many might think of the power of an illness such as cancer, addiction or kidney failure. Some might, especially at this time in the United States, think of the power of the political system or its representatives.
Every morning I write down and spare my spiritual intention for the day. This morning my spiritual intention was to refuse to give other people or events the power to determine my attitude or behavior. For many of us, it is very tempting to react rather than to act. Speaking just for myself, it is easy to accept an invitation from another person or an event to an action which is inconsistent with my core values. If, for example, another person is angry and critical I can easily fall into trap of responding in kind. My stated value system is to treat others with love and respect no matter how they behave. No one can stop me from acting thusly no matter what they do or do not do. Yet, when someone is critical of me my first thought is to defend myself or to become critical of the other person. This just happened yesterday. Fortunately, the criticism was delivered via an email and I had time to take a breath and think about how my value system should dictate my response. I also decided to share the email and my response with a friend. Sharing it was my way of asking for help in being accountable for my actions.
The longer I live the more I am remined that true power comes from letting go of power; from accepting my powerlessness. My only power in this very brief life journey is to hold on to my values; to act in a way which is consistent with those values. No matter what any of us do or do not do we will soon bid adieu to his life journey. No matter what titles or degrees we hold; no matter how much money we have or do not have; no matter what projects are completed, or dreams made manifest, in another few seconds this journey will end. My only permanent possession is the extent to which I do my best to maintain my personal integrity. My integrity is dependent on the extent to which I act on the basis of my stated core value system irrespective of other people or events.
Obviously I am very human, and I am not going to achieve this goal 100%. I can, however, strive to be intentional about my behavior. I can also resolve to quickly notice when I accept an invitation to a space or action which is inconsistent with my core values system, notice it, stop reacting and stop blaming my behavior on other people or events. For me this is the only power which, in the long run, is important.
Written October 8, 2020
Jimmy F Pickett
coachpickett.org
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