I have finally caught my breath. It has been a particularly busy time for us of late as we put ourselves forward to become accredited facilitators. I was tempted to decline the offer to the write this blog, but it really was a welcomed distraction. If anyone is a journal writer, they will understand the solace of putting words to paper — somehow it alleviates the stresses of life. I have pondered about a potential theme to engage you all — some radically inspiring, deep and meaningful, innovative, next-level guru post — but maybe ‘simple’ does it best. Perhaps something light might bring a smile to your face in the busyness of your work life too.
“He aha te mea nui o te ao? He tangata, he tangata, he tangata” is a well-known adage. It has become so common, it’s almost a cliché. It does, however, make me think. If people are indeed the most important thing in this world, is this manifested in my life? In our lives as facilitators and educators? To what extent do we truly honour those we work with? Perhaps we have slipped into a default mode of going through the motions of our ‘work’ — meeting criteria; educating; and trying to inspire others because it is our job. A wise man once said, (well actually he was my husband), “People before programme”. I often get hōhā with him talking for ages with everyone he knows down the street. He takes the time to have quality conversations with everyone he knows, regardless of where he really should be — like picking me up from the supermarket! I am once again confronted by this concept of ‘tangata’ being the most important thing in this world. People before programme.
Hubby’s manaakitanga of others is not contextualised. He is always consistently caring for others. He has an acute awareness of the power of positivity, and he shines. I don’t want to bore you with stories about the love of my life, but I have learnt a valuable life lesson from him that is worthy of sharing. In all we do, we really can make others feel good. We can show them they are valued. From every person who gets on your nerves, to someone you actually do like, taking a few minutes to engage with them authentically can make a difference to their day. Be the rainbow in someone else’s cloud (random internet quote that I found when I was bored).
To sum up, I learnt from Oprah a few years ago to “be mindful of the energy we bring to a place”. She has it written on the wall of her studio, to remind her staff that one’s energy truly affects others. Self-awareness of the energy we bring to our work can be more impacting than frameworks, theory, intelligence and programme. There is value in the adage — our forefathers were wise when they instilled in us that people are the most important thing in the world.
Okay, that about does it. Going to sign off with Aunty’s top Make-other-people-feel-good tips:
- Smile, all the time.
- Say thank you often, sincerely.
- Make the time to talk to people, genuinely.
- Be kind, every day.
- Choose to do good.
Anahera McGregor
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- Kia pai mai - September 28, 2016
Anahera thankyou and kia ora
A just right message to read with holiday space to let it in and, ironically, nobody around to distract me from what you’re saying. Im a raving introvert in teaching wch is almost a contradiction in terms. I do the ‘in role’ thing really well all day long in order to do-what-I-do-do-well. At the end of a day I’m exhausted, at the weekends I just want to be alone, by the holidays I’m a purple
people hater. Then I beat myself up about not managing to do those very simple things you mention. Thanks again Anahera – your message is a timely reminder – I’ve had three days of quiet me so batteries are recharged enough to peek out with one of my smiles. Nga mihi, Pamela Stack
E hoa, tika rawa atu tō whakamaumaharatanga o tēnei āhuatanga. He nui te wā ka rangona ngā kupu “he aha te mea nui, he tangata he tangata he tangata;” kātahi ka patua tētahi e ngā kupu ngau tuarā. Me ōrite te kupu me tana whakatinanatanga.
A timely reminder Anahera, that it doesn’t take much to make someone else’s day better – nor does it take much to make their day worse. He mana tō te kupu – once said it can’t be taken back.
On a lighter note – when you next need picking up from the shop, call me!
A really thought-provoking post Anahera and a good reminder as we head off to uLearn where it’s always a pretty frantic/amazingly busy time and so important to be thinking of others when everyone is there to have the very best experience they can.
Aroha nui kia koe,
Elizabeth