How many times do you do a service, because you want to get recognized, or win a prize, or just to feel better than someone else? Is this the kind of attitude that you should have or is it wrong?
Marcus Aurelius' famous Meditations book has an entire dissertation on the purpose of service in the lives of us human earthlings. What I find most interesting about his ideas is the believe that human beings - just like every other animal - are ruled by an intrinsic nature. This nature is what should guide our behaviors and actions that we make everyday.
Do I believe we have an intrinsic nature to serve others? Yes, I believe we do. From my experience being a volunteer and teacher (especially in the teaching field), I can say that humans were meant to serve. Serving others is not only a good and charitable experience, but it also helps you to grow in understanding and connection (And it does not show you are weak!).
There will come a time in your serving of others that you will realize that this is the greatest thing you could ever do in the world. It is a moment in time in which you experience complete fulfillment and joy. It almost feels like that "creative drive" you experience when you are absorbed doing an activity you are passionate about.
How can you learn to serve? Be a coach. Be a parent. It will be hard, yes, but worth it. You know, there are a lot of people who say, "Oh, I can't be a teacher. I don't have the patience" or they say, "I can't be a parent. I don't even have time to take care of myself".
When I started teaching, I didn't think I could be a teacher. But, I gave it a try, you know. I was very focused in trying to teach the subject. I didn't care about anything else, but that the students finish their work. I was on the wrong track. It was only gradually that I began to understand the meaning of what it is to be a teacher. Teachers are meant to serve. And you serve by understanding and guiding.
When you have served someone, and they express respect and gratitude (some people won't, but that only means they have wayyyy more to learn about life), you know that you have done your job. When you serve someone, you are showing them a way of life. You are not making them take YOUR way of life, but rather guiding them through your good actions on how to make THEIR own way of life. Is everyone going to appreciate your input? No, and that is cool. Even if you only reach one person, you will be remembered even after death.
"The road is not crooked. It has simply adjusted itself. And it is, oh, so beautiful." I am not sure if I heard this somewhere or if I just made it up, but I think it represents my idea of what service is. Service is being a teacher, a coach. Service is being able to lose yourself in your "creative drive" and be an example to someone else. Service is knowing that someone else's road may look crooked, but in reality it serves them exactly as it should.
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Be strong, be unique, and step outside of your comfort zone!