Experts in the field of sociology are worried about the downward spiral of human civility. Their concern in not about the drug wars fought on the Mexican US borders or the Taliban problems in Afghanistan. No, they are concerned with human behavior across the American continent, from small towns to large cities. In general, people today are more rude, less tolerant, more cynical, less patient, more greedy, less friendly, more aggressive and less trusting of others. Simply stated, when people are stressed, they are not nice to be around. This, they say, does not bode well for culture as a whole. Some blame technology. Others blame bad parenting. Still others blame the media, specifically the talk shows where ranting is the norm. The bottom line is that as people become more self-centered and narcissistic, they become more clueless about the people around them, and while not acting out of malicious intent, it sure comes across this way. Civility is one attribute that separates us from the rest of the animal kingdom. Civility, and by association, chivalry, are rare commodities today. We are reverting back to our animal nature, and this is anything but good. It’s H.G. Wells worst nightmare on the island of Dr. Moreau.
• Stress Tip For The Day:
Make a vow today to join the ranks of the civil society, even if it seems like you are a minority of one. Without sacrificing yourself esteem, put other people first today. Smile at strangers. Open up doors for people walking right behind you. Allow other people to cut in front of you when waiting in lines. Don’t use your cell phone in public— at all! Strive to be aware (not oblibvious) and courtious of others. In general, just be nice to people. You might even be surprised at how one good turn deserves another. The karma of “As you sow, so shall you reap” is never far behind you. Open your heart to others, simply because it’s the right thing to do. Surprisingly, you may notice that in being nice to others, people act more civil to you too.
• Links/Books Worth Noting:
The following is an interesting essay on civililty in America.
http://www.mysanantonio.com/opinion/Time_for_a_culture_of_civility_in_America.html
Photo of the Day: While in Ireland this summer, I stopped and chatted with some locals in County Cork. We had a great exchange of conversation and laughter. They commented about the youth of today being too tied to technology, oblivious to others around them;incivility. I told them it is the same in the US, and not just kids. Adults act this way too. Then we talked about music, some politics and good food.
• Quote for the Day: “As citizens we have to be more thoughtful and more educated and more informed. I turn on the TV and I see these grown people screaming at each other, and I think, well, if we don’t get our civility back, we’re in trouble.” — Emmylou Harris, singer/songwriter.
Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D. is an internationally renowned expert in the fields of stress management, mind-body-spirit healing and stress and human spirituality. He is the author of over 10 books including the bestsellers, Stand Like Mountain, Flow Like Water, Stressed Is Desserts Spelled Backward, The Art of Calm, Quiet Mind, Fearless Heart and Managing Stress (6E). He can be reached through his website:www.brianlukeseaward.net
© Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D.
