April 9, 2021

Of Empathy And Valor

Today in the Philippines, we celebrate "Araw ng Kagitingan" or literally Day of Valor. We remember the sacrifices of Filipino and American soldiers in the hands of the Japanese to fight for the freedom that our country enjoys today, well officially, in papers. We are thankful for what our heroes did for us during the wars and until now, the front liners who sacrifices their own lives and existence to literally save the lives of others. Thank you so much Front liners! Nobody makes COVID a fightable war in the Philippines except for each and everyone of you! Thank you for giving more of yourselves and thinking more of others.

Thinking about others. It's not even about how we can better other's experience, but at the very least, how we can not inflict harm to them through our choices. Simply putting yourself in the shoes of others. Simply the golden rule - phrases that seem to be a big cliché or something we are too tired to hear during conversations. Have we truly learned what they mean? There's a reason for it being a constant reminder for people, because in our present society, it's still close to not existing.

A community or group governed by the principle of empathy is one that does not just function well, but functions for the benefit of one another, of each other. Simply thinking about your neighbor, and how your actions and choices will directly or indirectly affect them, can do wonders. Much more for leaders. We need more of those that can imagine themselves in place of its members. May it be a country, a company, or even at home, empathy should be a requirement for everybody to benefit not just the leader, but each and every member. 

Que, S. (2019, June) Guam.

Before you teach your child, or your student, or your workers the keys to excellence, making sure they become sensitive with their choices and how this will impact the bigger picture, is something that should be imposed in their hearts. We all are leaders one way or another. And as leaders, we should set an example and make sure this is evident in all our actions and decisions, not because we have to, but because as a member of a milieu, it is a responsibility. If you can't find ways to benefit people, at least make decisions that will not harm them..

In the end, if we don't take care of others, who will take care of ourselves? What will be the sense of any glory of a country or a company, if everybody else is harmed or infected or dead? Will the praises we gain through our indifference towards others make us truly feel like a winner? I think not and I hope not. 

"If you can't find ways to benefit people, at least make decisions that will not harm them."

Challenge yourself with every decision you make, whether it's for yourself, your employees, or your countrymen - have you thought of it's implications towards the bigger picture? You did? Okay think again, two or three times more! Remember, one's glory will never outweigh the able existence of two or hundreds or millions of the people around you. For tyrants and selfish people maybe, but to you? I believe in you! You are so much better than that! In the name of all the heroes that passed, and the heroes of today, be one! Don't do it for glory though, do it for the world and the worlds to come.

Stay safe! Really, I mean it truthfully, stay safe! I want you to live, to be able to breathe, and to be able to create more ripples of kindness because we all need it! We all depend on it!

20 comments:

  1. This post rings so true, so honest, so open and such good words for us all to remember. You are right -- we are all so much better than that -- we must be.

    You stay safe too, my friend. The world needs you and your wise words.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That is so nice of you to say dear Jeanie! Thank you so much and have a great week ahead!

      Delete
  2. Right On - Brilliant Post There Brother - Lets Walk The Walk Of The Talk We Talk - Sending Love And Light

    Cheers

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Amen to that brother Padre! Words are nothing without action. Hugs to the new week coming!

      Delete
  3. Dearest Stevenson.
    I´ll never understand war.
    I learned that many a German soldier was forced to join, otherwise his wife and kids would... so they went. They had to.
    And how stupid! On Christmas Eve, now to be honest I think it was with the British, but can also have been the French - they were in separate dugouts.
    One party had a Christmas tree. They shoutet over, " let´s celebrate today!" - and they did, together. Next day they fought each other again.
    Explain this to me.
    Might, power, intelligence and stupidity, emotional closeness, what a weird mix to kill each other.

    I certainly have all the respect and thankfulness of those who go to Afghanistan etc to free people from their bad, bad circumstances (wind blows, long coat gets lifted and a "naked woman´s ankle" is seen, they take an axe and cut off the foot?! I read some books on this).

    Fighting against things like this, yes.
    But imagine that little Austrian man, Hit#er, would have had to fight the leaders of other countries in person.
    Too chicken! No WW II! I just bet.

    But no matter (?) the reason... yes, honor the men and women, even if "just" nurses who gave their life for others, sad as it is.

    These days... when I walked with soldiers, hahaha, I thought I was fast, a bit, kinda... for my size...
    A blonde female soldier RUSHED past me, by golly!!!
    OK, she was a real soldier and much taller than me. (looking for excuses).

    These days - here - the words you mentioned become true! People do care for each other! I agree with you, though, we need more!

    And, yes, even if it´s not harming them.
    See, it´s give and take and giving is a pleasure. I have that with my 81-year-old neighbor especially.
    We go back and forth, add, if it´s a smile.. an Easter bunny (chocolate for me?!) or lasagna for him, plus a long talk with some lonely guy.

    Great post, dearest Stevenson.
    As Germans we certainly do not have such celebrations.
    Our "leaders" started horror twice. We should rather have days of shame, but then... I wasn´t even born yet.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I just can't add more to everything that you have said dear Iris because I myself believe and truly think the same way as the views you expressed. War is something I will never understand though I know for one what roots it, every single of it, GREED. Lack of Empanthy and wanting so much more than what is right.

      And dearest Iris I really really love it everytime I read about your stories about W, it warms my heart and at the same time I feel very proud of you because you made a friend and is making him happy as it makes you happy as well! And please please send some of the lasagna over virtually!!!!

      Delete
  4. I love the fortune cookie message. Way better than most of the fortune cookies I've gotten. Have a great week, Stevenson.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh I felt really lucky with that message itself Susie! Thank you so much and please have an awesome week as well!

      Delete
  5. Well spoken Stevenson - the golden rule is as valid today as it ever has been!
    Stay safe
    Blessings
    Maxine

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you very much dearest Maxine! Every decision I make, both big and small, I always use the golden rule as a compass :) Have a safe and happy new week!

      Delete
  6. Very profound and pertinent reflections. A lesson for all. Stay safe!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you very much brother Kenneth!!! A lot of people especially in our country needs constant reminding, sadly :( Have a safe and happy week ahead Kenneth!

      Delete
  7. We are all one so this post is wonderful. I agree, we should all be doing the best we can for others. have a wonderful weekend and stay safe Stevenson. hugs-Erika

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dearest Erika! Thank you so much for your kind words, if only we can all be a little empathic :) Hugs back to you for a great new week!

      Delete
  8. Imagine how wonderful it would be if everyone cared for their neighbour and their environment with kindness and consideration. This world needs a lot more love in it - maybe I am an idealist, but I believe that one day it will happen and we will live together in peace. Hugz, Mxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. idealist in here as well dear Margaret! We can only hope for the best, if not, then we'll forever be doomed right? Hugs to you and happy new week!!!

      Delete
  9. This is so true. I never understand war. There is a quote from a song that sums it up for me:

    "The pain of war cannot exceed
    The woe of aftermath"

    The world needs to join and be together. We must stay positive.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh that is such a beautiful quote Ananka. I just hope all people, every single person in the world will think the same as that.

      Delete
  10. Love the words in your last paragraph :)

    Stay safe and well.

    All the best Jan

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much Jan! You made me read it again :)

      Delete

Thank you for taking time to visit my space on the web. I would love to hear about you and your thoughts about this post. Feel free to leave a comment, it would really make me happy!