YES vs NO THANKS
Monday Dec. 1, 2014
What measuring tool to use, what questions to ask?
When we do something, or decline to – what question should we answer internally – that one which determines action vs. inaction, helping vs. avoiding, yes vs. no thanks, doing something with vigorous and rigorous intention vs. go through motions?
I have been all over this map.
Concentrating better now, methinks, aligning actions with goals and intentions. I don’t mean ‘rationalize until it fits’, but more focused ‘does it fit?’ questioning.
I’ve spent some vacation hours on this (I’m not just another tourist on the beach you know) working through in my mind – asking if every call, action, writing, errand, meeting, email, coffee, lunch or marketing campaign doesn’t meet this test “am I starting or continuing something that helps someone?”. If not, why am I doing it?
My message, for anyone who will listen – especially now, this celebration month, in our season of giving to spend some time thinking about our reason for giving. Are we helping? Are we doing good for someone, for anyone, vis-a-vis making ourselves feel better? Are we helping someone else feel better, do better, accomplish something, solve a problem?
Not new motto, or mission in life – just freshened old questions.
The fallout of course is, what if something I’m already committed to doesn’t fit? I can make it into something that helps. Not always easy, but a challenge worth trying …
This isn’t a ‘new idea from Mark’s vacation’ as if I’d bought a hat or some guru’s book, started meditation yoga or grown a scruffy beard.
OK, I’ll admit to the scruffy beard, but that’s getting trimmed very soon!
Mark Kolke
column written/ published from Calgary, AB
morning walk: -9C/17F seem almost balmy! … Gusta is happy to be back from her kennel stay; we walked a familiar route but her sniffing was as thorough as you’d expect for some place she’d never been. Walking in fresh snow does not compare to firm wet sand, snow-boots however cozy and comfy do not equate to firm sand underfoot. Walking, on the other hand, is walking. Walking is thinking. There is no substitute, not so much as exercise, but as stimulation for everything good in life …
Reader feedback:
Thank you for referencing Jake Shimabukuru in your musing this morning. I have never heard him before. He is amazing...I think I'm in love, CG, Cobourg, ON
