We are on a journey in life, one in which we find freedom when we free our self from the control of the things of this world. Whether it is circumstances, opinions, family, coworkers, media or friends all of these attack our mind every day. One videographer recently combined a classic speech and modern day video to express this attack, which I challenge us all to watch here. With full control over our own mind then we set out to positively impact those around us. We take this first step in the most influential method available to us, our body language.
We have discussed this is great detail in previous posts. One of which is worth reflecting on here. As a finale on this topic for the short term let us take a few lessons with us as we move forward. Our actions define who we are. We may not recognize this at all times, but as leaders everything we do is magnified in the eyes of those that we lead. It may be our children, our friends, our colleagues, or strangers. In any case we are being watched closely at all times. Who we wish that we were and who we show our self to be can be quite different. This requires deep reflection and thought. At last however we can control the perceptions of others by controlling our own self. In The Didache we find the author describing the Way of Life, "Learn to be meek, for the meek are to inherit the earth. School yourself to forbearance, compassion, guilelessness, calmness, and goodness; and never forget to respect the teaching you have had." We have the time to school our self in these things now so that we may emanate this in our body language.
Would we sit with our arms crossed and a smug face and expect a warm conversation? What are the things that cause us to cross our arms or to wear a smug face? Why have we allowed these things to control our emotions? It is a difficult battle with so many forces entertaining our mind. How then do we prevent others from instigating a disapproving squint or a curl of the lips? We must take time in solitude to reflect on our own self. We convict our heart to forbear the influence of evil upon our mind. King Solomon teaches us on the subject, "A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident."
In closing on the subject of body language, let us be mindful of our actions and in complete control of our expressions for we know that there are many that wish to control us. Instead we may offer focused eye contact and open arms. In this way we present our self as a partner and an ally rather than an antagonist and an adversary. How do we find our self when presented with a warm handshake and a smile? This warms the mood. Know then that it is difficult for others to energize their anger when presented with a humble, respectful colleague with the expression of an intent desire of a focused listener. When we achieve success here we have no boundaries. Our chains are broken.
Copyright © Robert Clinton Chedester 2012
We have discussed this is great detail in previous posts. One of which is worth reflecting on here. As a finale on this topic for the short term let us take a few lessons with us as we move forward. Our actions define who we are. We may not recognize this at all times, but as leaders everything we do is magnified in the eyes of those that we lead. It may be our children, our friends, our colleagues, or strangers. In any case we are being watched closely at all times. Who we wish that we were and who we show our self to be can be quite different. This requires deep reflection and thought. At last however we can control the perceptions of others by controlling our own self. In The Didache we find the author describing the Way of Life, "Learn to be meek, for the meek are to inherit the earth. School yourself to forbearance, compassion, guilelessness, calmness, and goodness; and never forget to respect the teaching you have had." We have the time to school our self in these things now so that we may emanate this in our body language.
Would we sit with our arms crossed and a smug face and expect a warm conversation? What are the things that cause us to cross our arms or to wear a smug face? Why have we allowed these things to control our emotions? It is a difficult battle with so many forces entertaining our mind. How then do we prevent others from instigating a disapproving squint or a curl of the lips? We must take time in solitude to reflect on our own self. We convict our heart to forbear the influence of evil upon our mind. King Solomon teaches us on the subject, "A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident."
In closing on the subject of body language, let us be mindful of our actions and in complete control of our expressions for we know that there are many that wish to control us. Instead we may offer focused eye contact and open arms. In this way we present our self as a partner and an ally rather than an antagonist and an adversary. How do we find our self when presented with a warm handshake and a smile? This warms the mood. Know then that it is difficult for others to energize their anger when presented with a humble, respectful colleague with the expression of an intent desire of a focused listener. When we achieve success here we have no boundaries. Our chains are broken.
Copyright © Robert Clinton Chedester 2012