Driving home after spin, I pondered the question, what if there were a Love University. Graduates achieve a master’s degree in Love. What would the course curriculum be? Tolerance, Forgiveness, Charity, Kindness, Praise?
Before leaving the gym today, I asked my spin instructor for a copy of today’s play list. This simple request turned into a moment of praise as easily and effortlessly as turning the light switch on. In that one small inconsequential conversation, the door was opened to lavish her with recognition and delight in her expertise as an instructor. As the conversation unfolded, I could see her cup being filled. Sensing it was low after an apparent drought of feedback from her students, I could only hope it was overflowing at that moment.
I wonder how many times a day we miss the opportunity to praise and appreciate those who cross our paths. Think of how incredible it feels to allow your own cup to be filled by another. Sure it’s important to be self-confident, self-loving and have your own sense of doing what you do well. We should not depend on others approval to feel worthy. What is true is that praise, tolerance, forgiveness, kindness, charity and all the classes held at the Love University (which are all qualities of love by the way), when practiced will automatically boomerang back to you ten fold.
In Leadership Workshops one of the most important qualities I teach is to “find them doing something right”. It is human nature to find faults in our surroundings, be it with the beliefs of others or the way somebody else does something. As we grow up the only way we could distinguish ourselves from another was to compare and contrast and build a sense of identity. Without attending some type of Love University program, this comparing and contrasting alienates and isolates us from the beauty and diversity of all those around us.
Finding those moments of greatness in another not only fill their cup, but fill our own. My cup runneth over as I saw the gratitude and humbleness in her eyes as I told her how I looked forward to 6:00 a.m. Monday and Wednesday mornings. Her passion and dedication oozing into the room even at that wicked hour.
Love reminds my of my beloved Playa ocean. Boundless, beautiful, warm, embracing and most of all supportive. Praise someone today and watch your cups runneth over.