School is in session and the online dialogues are flowing here at TIES. Many of us have asked ourselves how we can be of better service to our fellow humans, that we might start a “butterfly effect” and bring a bit more healing and peace to the planet.
John Briggs and F. David Peat talk about “subtle influence” in their 1999 book Seven Life Lessons of Chaos: Spiritual Wisdom from the Science of Change. They say,
“Our attitude and being forms the climate others live in, the atmosphere they breathe… If we’re genuinely happy, positive, thoughtful, helpful, and honest, this subtly influences those around us. Everybody knows this when it comes to kids. Kids respond to who you are far more than to what you say.”
How, as educators, might we empower ourselves and others to use our “subtle influence” to bring about peace?
How might listening and being authentically compassionate support this effort? What are some ways we could listen a little longer, open to the unknown a bit more and be curious? We have witnessed many tragedies of late. How can we be brave in situations in which resignation or blame feel like the easier path?
-Anonymous Student