Spirituality in the Workplace (Reader Comments)
I appreciate the many emails that I received in response to my last newsletter. Each contribution is valuable. Of course, space does not allow me to publish all of the emails that I received. In this newsletter, I am going to share with you portions of five emails that I received.
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“I have been faced with many challenges in bringing spirituality into the workplace being employed at a psychiatric hospital. The baseline “energy” if you will is one of frustration, loss, anxiety and hope all rolled into one. I begin each day with a prayer to let go of all judgments. This is the biggest struggle I face in my daily life. If I let go of judgments, the energy is one of acceptance and love.
For example, whether I am facing a family member who is very upset that their loved one was brought to our hospital by the police, or before going into a meeting, I take a few seconds and “send” love to those whom I am to meet with. I approach them with so much love (nothing is said, only felt) and it always seems to work in my favor. When you give love, then there is nothing that will come back except love.
The family leaves the hospital perhaps with answers they didn’t want to hear or accept, but there is also a calmness, an acceptance on their part. They may not know why, but I know why. They are loved. To me, that is bringing spirituality in the workplace; silently and unobtrusive; complete and total acceptance from deep within my heart.”
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“Regarding coming into contact with people who I believe are acting in contrast to my spiritual beliefs, I consider myself incredibly fortunate to be self-employed. This gives me the luxury of choosing to not work with people that I don’t want to work with and includes customers who give me a hard time, customers who lie, cheat or steal to earn a living, or anyone else who I believe will try to pull me away from what I believe to be “right.”
To me, we all have that choice, whether we work for ourselves or not. At the end of the day, we all have to look ourselves in the mirror and I choose to be able to do that with a clear conscience. A method I like to use to “judge” a situation is by asking myself, (in any potentially questionable
situation) ‘If I do this, will I be able to tell my children about it and use it as an example of “good” behavior? Will I be able to answer their questions and believe I’m helping to teach them lessons that will allow them to become good human beings?’ If it passes the “kid test” I believe I’m on a good path.”
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“A few years ago I read The 7 Habits of Effective People by Stephen Covey. One of the habits in particular has helped me from the spiritual standpoint in the work place. It is “Seek First To Understand, Then To Be Understood.” When I do this, other people seemed to feel valued and are not put on the defensive. Then, when it’s my turn to talk, I can approach the situation with a much more peaceful heart.
I also notice that when I simply want to be understood first, it merely ends up in defensiveness on both sides of the communication with not much being resolved at a deep level.”
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“I find I am most often frustrated when I believe I must change someone because their behavior is not in keeping with my beliefs. At these times, I remind myself that God gave us ALL free will. It is not my place to deny anyone that privilege. I find peace and comfort in the knowledge that I do not allow their behavior to alter mine. It is not always easy. Sometimes I must take deep breaths and repeat the Reiki Gokai, but I sleep well at night and I continue to lead by example.”
Reiki Gokai:
I will let go of anger.
I will let go of worry.
I will work diligently.
I will be thankful.
I will be kind.
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“As a relatively new practicing Christian this is one area that is dramatically developing for me. I have several inspiring documents - scripture, poems, etc. - taped on the wall of my office. I reference them during discussions that take place in my office when the opportunity arises.
I’m trying to live a spiritual life regardless of where I am - work, home, church, WalMart…wherever. I don’t want to be a person that practices situational living adapting to whatever culture I’m currently in. I did that for many years. I was a people pleaser that could tell you exactly what you wanted to hear.
I also don’t want to come across as a “pushy” Christian because I recall viewing those types as holier-than-thou “Jesus freaks” that turned me off to the Gospel. But, I do want people to notice that I’m different and that difference is not me, it’s God’s Spirit in me.”
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I will continue to share reader comments on this issue. If you wish to offer your experiences and insights on spirituality in the workplace, please email them to me. If you haven’t read the previous message in this series, please read that message before you send your comments.
Your name, e-mail address or location will NOT be published if your comments are used. Thus, your privacy will be maintained.
Thanks again for your enthusiastic contributions on this topic.
– Jeff Keller