A Short Introspection on Infection
Friends!
While I wrote last week about the limitation of self-awareness I want to try to make ourselves more aware. And this week I promise I will be very short. For effect!
Consider this great post from Adam Grant:
Clearly, the pandemic has had a huge impact on how we think about infections. The visible reinforcements of daily masks, protective gear, social distancing, and washing hands have changed our behaviors at a scale that we have rarely experienced. Most, I would argue, are necessary and probably helpful from an overall infectious disease standpoint – COVID-related and beyond.
AND (not but)....as is with much of the theme of these newsletters, there is another side to the story. And, perhaps, a good reminder of the limitations of the physical world. Sadly, out of sight is often out of mind.
We are not immune to other people. They infect us by their spirit, their presence, and their intentions. Often in mysterious ways. And it works both ways. We infect other people with how and what we think about them and how we feel about being with them.
I have written about this before and will do so again. That is, the social contagion and the fact that we are who we are with. It's one of my most important beliefs. And I need to remind myself constantly of the power of presence.
There are so many great examples of how the cultures of communities and organizations are shaped. Intentionally or not. In politics, I often wonder what happens in Washington. The candidates often sound more promising and attractive before they get elected. But after they have been there for a while they feel different. At least, to me.
Sports is, of course, filled with examples of how it is the spirit and culture of a team that outperforms the sum of their athletic abilities. And for anyone who has been lucky to be part of any successful enterprise culture is always a key ingredient.
So, the point here is this. We infect people around us, whether we think we do or not. And the same is true in the opposite direction. Can we learn from the pandemic to be more aware of the infectious nature of our being? I hope we can. By being more aware of how we affect other people, we can perhaps bring a different energy and attitude to every encounter. It matters. Perhaps most when we least expect it!
Next time you are with people try this: focus intently on their happiness and joy. Think really good thoughts and visions for the best possible of outcomes for them and their families. Love them with all of your heart. Try to keep that attitude for the entire meeting. And then reflect afterward on whether you noticed any difference. In yourself, the room, in the feedback from the meeting.
Energy grows where attention flows, they say. I think it is true. We can't really measure energy and attention well. At least not in the way we measure most things. But we can feel it. And feelings are the real currency of humanity.
Have a truly infectiously enthusiastic week!
Instead of ending with the usual links, I will leave you with this beautiful quote. Enjoy! (it’s old so please feel free to replace him with him/her/them)!.
“When you meet anyone, remember it is a holy encounter. As you see him you will see yourself. As you treat him you will treat yourself. As you think of him you will think of yourself. ”
— HELEN SHUCMAN FROM "A COURSE IN MIRACLES"
