Another Saturday upon us and I am wide awake planning today's strategy on how I will beat the heat. Before I drifted off to sleep last night I found myself reflecting on this past week and the things that caught my attention. After looking at the week I found myself dealing with the term selflessness. I will share two examples of what stuck with me this week.
************** Example #1 **************
Earlier this week, news reports flowed and the Internet was a buzz at the actions of a high school quarterback who overpowered one of his fellow students who had a handgun on the school bus threatening the riders of the bus. In just an instant this young man made a decision that would ultimately change his life from that point on. With no regard for his own safety or what would happen next, the young man could only thing about his 3 younger sister and the other riders on the bus.
*************** Example #2 ***************
Over the last 24 hours, if you watch sports at all or have caught the tell end of the news you have seen the reports of an Oregon football player who showed a side of sportsmanship that we hope is never repeated. In watching the replays of the incident, his opponent did not exhibit good sportsmanship in taunting the young man rubbing in the fact that they were just defeated. In an instant one punch changed this young man's life and his career as a football player is potentially over.
***************
You might be asking why I chose to use these two examples and what was I trying to show because I earlier referenced the term selflessness. Well, these two examples bring to the forefront that when we are making decisions whether through deep thought or in a moments notice, our character/moral fiber influences that decision.
In the first example, a young man put his life on the line to protect his sister and others with no regard for his own safety, and is now being lauded as hero.
In the second example, a young man was taunted by a young man and made the decision that he wanted to respond in a different way to let someone know that he did not appreciate the taunting. The young man change the course of his season, but also his team as the went from potential contender to searching for his replacement.
Its amazing in looking at these two examples how in an instant selfless behavior seems to be rewarded while selfish behavior may not be rewarded so favorably. As human beings we often have selfish tendencies, but in the grand scheme of things i hope that overall are selfless acts far out weigh our selfish acts.
“Only those who have learned the power of sincere and selfless contribution experience life's deepest joy: true fulfillment.”
-Anthony Robbins
“We are formed and molded by our thoughts. Those whose minds are shaped by selfless thoughts give joy when they speak or act. Joy follows them like a shadow that never leaves them.”
-Buddha
“without selfless service, no one ever receives the fruits of their rewards. ”
-Sri Guru Granth Sahib
“Is the intention pure, selfless, and born out of love? Is it based on truth? Does it result in peace? If so, it is a right action.”
-Sri Sathya Sai Baba
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