I’m typing this in the Southwest terminal of the airport in Orlando, Florida.
I’m in the middle of a 2-hour layover on my trip back home from the east coast. Yesterday, I had a great, full day. It started with a Loyola University ROTC Leadership panel I was on with Admiral Mike Manazir and Brittany Loney and it ended with a tour of the USS GEORGE H.W. BUSH.
I’ve been walking back and forth in the terminal with my 10,000-steps-a-day target in sight. 🎯
As I was walking, I thought of Confucius. Then I thought of Mark Twain and Krishnamurti.
First…
Confucius and I went on a little walk together.
Way back in the day (roughly 2,500 years ago!) Confucius told us…
“Even when walking in a party of no more than three I can always be certain of learning from those I am with.”
And…
“In the presence of a good man, think all the time how you may learn to equal him. In the presence of a bad man, turn your gaze within!”
Yep.
That’s what I was thinking about as I appreciated the diversity of humanity on display in that airport terminal.
I saw the dad playing with his son and smiled as I imagined remembering to playfully celebrate my amazing kids.
Then I saw an enraged woman and reminded myself to check my own anger and take a deep breath when I feel triggered by things that just aren’t that important.
Then I saw some super-fit athletes and celebrated their commitment to excellence as I recommitted to showing up as a Disciplined Athlētē.
Then I saw a tragically obese man and sent compassion while recommitting to helping create a world in which 51% of humanity is flourishing by 2051.
As I walked back and forth I went back and forth admiring qualities I saw in others that I want to cultivate more of in myself then noticing less-than-admirable qualities that I want to continue to uproot within myself.
Back and forth.
Back and forth.
Back and forth.
That’s our +1…
Perhaps YOU can spend some time with Confucius today.
In the presence of a good person, let us send them celebratory love as we think about how we can learn to equal them.
In the presence of a less-than-great human, let us send them compassion as we embrace our own imperfections and recommit to living in integrity with our highest values so we can make a difference in the world.
Here’s to shining the flashlight of curiosity on what’s working and what needs work as we practice our philosophy and give the world all we’ve got.
TODAY.
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