Mindsets determine so much, don’t they? We decide how we view life and what actions that we take based on that view. We determine the how and why of what we do. I think that means a lot in life. We all think differently and, therefore, act differently. That makes life interesting and meaningful. However, when the mindset of leaders includes the idea that collateral damage is a given and acceptable and just part of the price, that can be a problem. I understand the evaluation that “It’s just realistic.” If you are talking about allowing a business to move into or out of a community and the statement is that it will cost some jobs but mean other opportunities, okay, it can be tough, but I get it. However, if you are referring to things like destruction of species, ecosystems, environments, and human life, then collateral damage is neither a realistic nor an acceptable mindset. Leaders are in their positions because they influence people. If that influence is political in nature and leaders arouse people to an energy tipping point that includes death, destruction, or non-sustainability, then two consequences attend that situation: (1). objective collateral damage — people, creatures, things are destroyed or severely damaged (2). subjective collateral damage — those who accept the destruction pathway are themselves damaged in their own conscience, soul, and heart, including the ego-driven leader. Yes, if destruction is a built-in part of the objective, then ego is the main part of the motivation. I want to be solution-focused here; however, my solutions are not very realistic. In education in my own classroom, my mindset and my practice proved immensely successful with the students I had. However, what I did never had any effect beyond that relatively insignificant number of students, even though I greatly value them, and as individuals, they are super-significant. But I do believe that when prevailing educational policy pushes all of the organization towards uniformity and marketability, the collateral damages are curiosity, innovation, creativity, and exuberant joy in learning that should continue for a lifetime. Despite the good-sounding words of districts and “leaders,” they don’t equip students for any of those things. The good news is that human beings are natural learning machines, and that salvages a good part of humanity and make poor policy look good, in some cases. The way to realize change is through grassroots’ movements, some of which are currently operative. If any are motivated to follow their hearts in their realms, whatever those might be, I hope you are a better leader than I was and can inspire followers, followers of their hearts. To meet ego-driven agendas and leaders on their own turf will result in loss, because ego response is the only practical direct confrontation to ego stimulus. The best action is to live your hearts. Do it wisely. Do it in love. Do it in joy and peace. Work with those who are like-minded, and enjoy life. I think those attitudes can initiate grassroots heart movements to create a positive life and more enlightened world, not to mention a whole lot safer one. This mindset presents the antithetical one to those who accept, anticipate, and create collateral damage. This idealistic heart mindset expects blessing to all. When problems occur for these folks, they deal in what I term realistic compassion, which means pain and difficulties may be experienced, but are neither accounted for nor purposed, but they are dealt with in compassion. I wish you the best, always.
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Questions to consider:How many times have you asked yourself or simply thought about the following questions?
Who am I, really? What is my truth? How do my actions reveal what I really feel and believe? What would I do with my life if I could do anything? What is my passion? Why am I here? How can I discover answers to any of these questions? If you have considered any of these questions, I hope that my experiences and writing will give you some guidance. Please read my blog and comment and share your thoughts. I would love to hear from you! Archives
December 2019
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