I had a recent experience which really caused me to stop and reflect on why the world we live in seems to be full of angry people. However, rather than try and analyse why, perhaps its more important to try and look at what we can do to change things.
There are numerous examples of individuals who, through taking small steps, have ultimately started a revolution. I was fortunate recently to watch an interview conducted by Otto Sharmer as part of the U.Lab EdX course. The interviewee was an African American woman, Dana Cunningham. Something she said has really resonated with me, both in in terms of my own behaviour and also the behaviour of all of us.
Dana Cunningham recounted the story of how a particular series of events in Berlin caused her to reflect on how her behaviour and feeling were influencing those of her children. In a nutshell, the anger and feelings that she had developed over a number of years, in regard to the treatment of African Americans, was being passed on to her children which was influencing their behaviour and views. She realised, as she was reflecting on this, that unless she changed, the ‘cycle’ would continue through the next generation – in essence the beliefs would get stronger and more ingrained.
That revelation pulled me to to a grinding halt, and caused me to look at my own behaviour and how that influences others. Whilst it may not be something that any of us want to do, I strongly believe that unless we do, nothing will change.
Human behaviour is shaped in many ways, however the views, feelings, and behaviour of those closest to us, cannot help but have an impact on us, and in turn our view, feelings and behaviours have an impact on them.
