Spirituality in the Workplace (More Reader Comments)
Here are some more emails that I received from readers on this topic:
“As a real estate appraiser, I am subject to being “influenced” as to what I should do to make something work out for a client. Should I do what’s right or should I “give in” and hope nothing goes wrong? The economic collapse of last week is in part a response to real estate appraisers “giving in” in order not to “bite the hand that feeds them.”
Recently, I have started using a “breath prayer” that I say many times during the day. I inhale slowly, then exhale and say “Heavenly Father, I trust in you.” When called to do an appraisal for whatever reason, if I detect that I am going to be asked to compromise my ethics and values, I politely excuse myself from the work and recommend the client call someone else.
Other times I may accept an assignment, but after some initial research find that I can’t professionally do what is wanted. I will call the client and let him know I can’t reach his number. That has cost me a lot of money over the years, but I still get calls from people who want an honest opinion. If you take the high road, your feet won’t get wet. It’s best to be judged for what you think you did right, than what you know you did wrong.”
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“My religion and my spiritual beliefs are my own and I don’t take it to work place. I don’t take my work place problems home either. I don’t discuss religion and politics at work. If somebody starts talking about it, I quietly try to steer the conversation to some other topic. I spend about 20 - 30 minutes of quiet time at home before I go work; and I think, that helps me keep my cool.”
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“I agree that it can be uncomfortable and difficult to talk about, and deal with, spiritual beliefs in the workplace. However, I believe that all of us have the potential to be spiritual beings, if we don’t already believe that we are, and that we can “bring” our spirituality with us into any sphere we choose. The catch is that no one has to explicitly know.
We can “be” spiritual, but we don’t have to share that fact with anyone. In addition to that, I believe that one can be spiritual, and others can be… whatever they want to be! However others may act, I may choose to believe that their actions and words are PART of my spiritual awakening, or I may choose to believe that they’re “holding me back” from my spiritual awakening… but in the end, it is my choice. I choose how to respond to, or learn from, the people who are coming into my life.
Personally, I choose to believe that everyone I come into contact with is an enlightened being (or some variation on the theme), who is here to teach me a very important lesson — whether they know it consciously or not!”
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“One thing that comes naturally for me in the workplace (or anywhere for that matter) is to smile at everyone, looking into their eyes if possible. Most of the people I meet remember me for this positive trait, but what I remember about them is they gave it back. They in turn remind me that peace must come from within before it can be shared with others.
Peace is not always easy when hardship is present. But changing the mind to believe that attaining peace is always possible, is easier to do when we can actually see our smile change the peace we see in someone else’s face or eyes. There is no easier way to share love and peace than to give a smile.”
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“I run a small business. I follow what appears as correct to me as per my belief system that is very much decided by my spiritual beliefs. Of course I am careful not to mix up religion and spirituality. I share my concepts with very few others of my organization. In my business I avoid, and also tell all others to avoid, CHEATING any client. I have come across many, who say that CHEATING is a part of business — never for me.
I also find that only people who, overall think in somewhat similar lines like me are able to stick with me, though still there are some differences amongst us also.
It is also true that I am not able to find a right person to look after my sales needs in line with my belief system.
The result? Though I stay in business more or less at the same level for some time now, my growth is much smaller compared to a few businesses in my own area. However that has NOT affected my happiness or feeling of contentment. Only personal problems have more effect comparatively on me than what happens in my business.
There are times definitely when I can not help but feel as to why I remain this way, and why cant I change, but I give up because I conclude that this is the only way I know to be!”
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Once again, I wish to thank everyone who took the time to send me an email and share their perspective on this topic.
– Jeff Keller