By Ustaz Mark Bang
You just have to change yourself. Your focus should not be on changing others. That is what Mahatma Gandhi did. It is his quote.
When we change and start to operate from a higher perspective and ideals, our energy starts to ascend. We start to vibrate at a higher vibration. As you know, everything in this universe is vibrations.
So, now that we stand strong in ‘our own convictions’—no dilly-dallying—other people who come to our energy field would either have to come up to our vibrations and match our energy or would have to move very far away from us. So, due to our ‘higher vibrations’ of thought patterns, we force the unconscious change in others. They themselves won’t know it. As they feel the person is genuine, compassionate, and authentic, others start to listen and embrace their own higher ideals. The genuine inner change from within.
That is why a leader who ‘practices what they preach’ has a higher effect on others. Their own higher energy forces others to change. They may not be even consciously aware. They only have a feeling—after meeting this person—I became a changed man/woman. Inner, deep, subconscious change from within. So, just concentrate on changing yourself as you want. Your energy would do the rest. I am speaking from my own life. I also like that quote. But it took me around seven years to totally change myself, though. So, be ready for a clash of your own inner wills. For me, it is a true statement that I am trying to embody. From my own experiences, it has sometimes meant a lonely road/journey, because I guess where change is concerned, not everyone is either open enough, aware enough, or prepared enough at that same point in time. The initial struggle for me was hoping too much for others to follow, which led to disappointment and sadness. This slowed me down as I lost some of my positivity and conviction. Fortunately, I found my way back and really hope to continue the push… to be the change, that perhaps it will rub off on others in their own due time.
It means what it states. Each of us can live the life we imagined. Everyone wants to see a changed world, but no one is prepared to change himself. Be a reflection of what you’d like to receive: If you want love, give love. If you want truth, be truthful. If you want respect, give respect. What you give out will return to you. Marriage doesn’t guarantee you will be together forever; it’s only a paper. It takes love, respect, trust, understanding, friendship, and faith in your relationship to make it last. Life is short; live it. Love is rare; grab it. Anger is bad; let go of it. Fear is a mind killer; face it. Memories are sweet; cherish them.
When a person states, “There’s no humanity left,” I always state, “As long as I’m alive, I know there’s still humanity in this world.” When I see someone who needs help, I help them. I don’t insult people because I think they asked a stupid question, and yes, I do believe there are stupid questions. On the other hand, when someone is ignorant of a subject, definition, etc., I don’t make them feel stupid for asking. I prefer someone to ask. In my mind, that makes them inquisitive and smart. I don’t judge a person’s character by just looking at them or knowing they’re from a different country.
As far as I can tell, people who are hateful or insulting come from all ages, colours, and backgrounds. Where you are from does not define your character. If I see a person who looks like they feel like they don’t belong, I immediately try to make them feel welcome. I don’t prey on a person’s weakness. However, I don’t let a person prey on me either. I say I am sorry if I am wrong. That has taken me a long time to learn, but I finally realize that is not a weakness. Last, I try to be the person other people look up to, in the sense of humanity. I am appreciative and sad when I get compliments on helping people with little things, like helping pick up a dropped bag of groceries. Just listening to people for a short period is all some people want. So many people feel alone or feel they are different just because no one will listen to them. I probably get a “thank you for listening” more than any other help I give.
I know we are all busy, but everyone needs someone to listen for just a moment. The world may feel like humanity exists more if people would just communicate and listen to each other. Let people get their problems out without interruptions or criticism. Just listen. It’s an area that just about everyone wants this for themselves, but very few actually do it for others. These are the areas where I feel I excel. I hope it never changes. I never want someone to feel less of a person because of me.
I see it too often in life. Your words and actions could be the result of a person’s quality of life for decades. Whether a person thinks another should “toughen up” or not, that is not your decision to make for them. At least make it a decision not to make matters worse by your actions. Humanity exists. If you feel it doesn’t then start becoming the person that makes it exist. “Public Staunchest Ally”
The writer of this article is a human rights activist, writer, and professional teacher.