Dooley Noted: 3/7/2016
I learn much on a daily basis from my fiancé.
One of the most significant lessons I’ve learned is how to make everyone around you a teacher.
After parking our Penske truck in a perfectly legal spot, Jonathan had his first NYC altercation.
The store owner came out and screamed directly in his face, angry the truck was blocking his storefront.
Jonathan calmly said, “I believe this spot is legal, sir. But I’ll be moving it within the hour.”
The man continued to scream at him, but Jonathan never lost his cool.
When I asked him why he never got angry back with the man, he said it was simple.
“He wanted me to react. That’s the worst thing I could have done. I learned with the monks that people are your best teachers. He taught me to be patient and to not react with violence.”
After getting no reaction from Jonathan, the man walked away.
“He walked away because I remained calm and didn’t feed his anger. I couldn’t give him what he wanted – a reaction. So he walked away.”
The more I put Jonathan’s theory into practice, the more evidentiary support I gain that he is correct.
An inquisitive student is not a nuisance. He is teaching me to have more clarity.
A debating student is not a disrespectful one. He is teaching me to accept alternative opinions.
An angry patient won’t respond proactively to me being angry back. My kindness can calm him.
The more kindness you bring, the more kindness will grow within you.
Stand up for yourself – with a vest of kindness enveloping you.
Then, the reactions of people can be teachers to you, the student.
As always, it’s your call.
– Dr. Kathy Dooley
