Looking at where we are now, as a society we have much work to do, in spite of the fact that 2009 promises much change and new beginnings. The economic meltdown fueled by rampant greed by people like Bernard Madoff, politicians who feel they are above the law like Governor Rod Blagojevich, and many other leaders who are not taking true leadership have brought our country, not to mention the world, to tumultuous times. These sudden world changes have unearthed a number of shady goings-on.
LESSON NOT LEARNED
Shouldn’t we have learned from the past, such as the gluttonous roaring twenties which led to the sobering, devastating depression of the 30’s? Short-sightedness has so many personal and societal layers.
WHY?
What is lacking in many of these so-called leaders is maturity. Yet, for quite some time, their immaturity has appeared to make them successful; however, it’s led them to make horrifically wrong decisions that affect all of us.
WHAT IS MATURITY?
When I think of a mature person, I think of someone taking actions based on slow and careful considerations.
It seems much of our culture plays to our youthful and impulsive side. Many people grow old and yet do not mature. By maturity, I mean a thoughtful, inwardly connected, introspective, considerate, weighing-all-sides kind of behavior. Our overly youthful mentality has fed a fun-loving image that includes recklessness, impulsiveness, and dangerous actions that compromises our society. This behavior temporarily fulfills our momentary pleasure and deludes us, leading us to think we circumvented the inevitable reality; now reality has reared its unavoidable head.
Society is facing a crossroads that has the possibility of helping us grow into all our potentials both as individuals and as a community. Growth toward developing a strong, mature sense of self is worth every effort for our survival. It’s that important.
WHAT DOES IT TAKE?
Developing into a person we can admire takes mindfulness, which in turn builds a society of true adults. We can be the leaders we long for. I believe this is in part President Barack Obama’s message, which encourages us as a people toward this larger way of seeing the world.
Learning how to take responsibility, developing integrity and searching for truth all lead to a humble wisdom that nourishes the world. This kind of introspective maturity, along with being genuinely intellectually curious, leads to an inner knowing that is more firmly based in reality. Only after this level of inquiry can we trust our gut or intuition.
IT TAKES COURAGE
Much of our past leadership was based on going from the gut with no deep investigation of facts or understanding all sides. This leads to unnecessary chaos. Life has enough unknown without throwing caution to the wind. We have already seen much spinning of reality to fit the moment. This couched carelessness can be experienced as arrogance to many of us. Growing and accepting the assignment of maturity as well as taking on the task of accountability is a badge of courage. As with each new day, we have been given an opportunity with this New Year to take on the challenge of reaching our potential maturity. This maturity can bring great satisfaction, not just momentary pleasures. In order to have a more functional society, we as individuals have to be willing to take responsibility and do what is necessary to develop ourselves into the leaders we long for.
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| MisterNoodle
Posted: 3/8/2009 3:06:08 PM |
Terrific post!
The point you bring up about responsibility is true at every level. From parents teaching values to their children to the highest levels of government to the CEO''s of major corporations. It seems we have evolved into a society of pointing fingers versus taking blame when it''s due.
When you point fingers the problem isn''t resolved it''s exacerbated. Until people have the guts to take the blame (listen to me Blago) I''m afraid we are in for more of the same.
Thoughtful and relevant. I liked this post! |
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| cafemista
Posted: 4/3/2009 2:12:27 PM |
"Learning how to take responsibility, developing integrity and searching for truth all lead to a humble wisdom that nourishes the world." I really enjoyed this sentence. A position of power absolutely does not dictate a level of maturity and I believe that a lot of people are easy to forget this. If everyone would begin to take responsibility for their actions this world would be a much better place.... |
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| terri hoagland
Posted: 2/24/2011 2:40:38 PM |
I think maturity for me is to recognize my character of defect which is constantly doing for others until I am totally out of energy! when i am out of energy I become inpatient with myself. When I do this, I stop enjoying my own life and pleasures, because I feel like I owe everyone.
When your on an air plane and the plane has problems in the air what happens? well, the oxygen masks fall asap, so what happens next? well, you put the mask on right away, so you can live. I am the type of person that would help others asap and then help myself last, so if I do this on an air plane emergency, I would evently pass out, so how can I help others, if I do not help myself first. If I help myself first, I am able to help others with out passing out. I am learning to love myself first and it is okay to say no. And it is okay to set bondaries or draw a line in the sand. I do not understand why I am like this, maybe it has to do with my upbringing. I was everyone''s mother, I played the mother role, which had alot of responsiblities. I am learning not to feel guilty when I say no. I am learning to love myself better. thank you for listening.
Best Regards,
Terri Hoagland |
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