In nature, we sow seeds in the spring and harvest in the fall. In the human soul, we sow seeds in the fall that we reap in the spring. Fall is when we begin the journey inward; it’s time to consider the seeds we are sowing. Just like in nature, those seeds blow, spread, and grow wherever they fall and the impact can be far-reaching.
Before I encounter another human being, I take a moment to prepare. Of course, what is paramount in a pandemic, is to consider if we could be spreading a virus. Yet there’s more to consider; we are always spreading something.
I may as well choose what I want to spread before I meet another. Never more so than when I spend time with my grandsons; young children are so open and vulnerable. Regardless of age, preparing for a social encounter is a good practice. Everyone has an inner child.
Preparation begins with becoming present to what is, accepting it, and then choosing what we would like to bring.
These are the seven steps to consciously prepare for meeting another. Pause and ask yourself:
1. What are my thoughts? Notice without judging or resisting.
2. What am I feeling? Notice without judging or resisting.
3. What am I doing? It might include rushing or tensing muscles and applying more effort than is required. Again, notice without judging or resisting.
4. Consider, what thoughts do I want to bring to this encounter? For example, before I pick up my grandbaby, I think about how well my daughter prepares him to come with me. My thoughts are of gratitude.
5. What feeling do I want to bring? Before meeting the grandbaby, I affirm that I am calm. Bringing a feeling of calm to our time together makes him feel secure and our time together pleasant for both of us.
6. What am I doing? Am I conscious of how I am moving? Babies pick up on our actions including the quality of our gestures. Avoiding haste helps them feel secure. I choose to move in such a way that communicates there is enough time to do whatever we need to do.
7. Now I am present, aware of what I am thinking, feeling and doing. I am choosing what I spread. To anchor it in my body, I select a gesture, like palms together or thumb to forefinger or a victory sign. Whenever I notice myself veering from my choices, I return to the gesture and affirm thoughts, feelings and actions I would like to spread.
If it is true that we are always spreading something and we reap what we sow, if we consciously choose what we are spreading, we can receive more of what we want. We can also have a greater positive impact.
If we accept responsibility for ourselves and don’t make it about the other guy, we generate incredible power within ourselves. That’s the kind of power that allows us to sow what we want to reap.
Imagine if we brought that intention to all our human encounters.
Think about it. Consider what am I spreading?
