Trying to be Grateful for Small Mercies…
I was asked to give a 15 minute presentation at Rotary yesterday but man flu got in the way so I thought I’d publish as a blog instead…
I don’t know about you but I’m struggling to get my head round everything that is happening in the world right now and needed to find some balance.
Reflecting on what’s happening… the news is all very scary and it shone out that we hadn’t done a bucket collection for Palestine. Rotary are generally very good at shaking the tin.
Armistice Day is next week and the papers talk of a pro Palestine march past the cenotaph… seemingly cherry picking the facts and putting more fear into the hearts of the older generation for whom the cenotaph is sacrosanct.
Hearts damaged by Covid and / or the vaccine depending on the information you choose to believe. The Covid Inquiry is deeply concerning.
Heating bills going through the roof because the energy companies have been allowed to make hay, passing the cost on to manufacturers, with retailers left to try and explain things to customers… while announcing record profits. Something wrong with this picture? Everyone blames Putin for the increase in oil price, will he get the credit for record profits?
The average house price has essentially doubled to £300k in the last 15 years, yay but ouch, dropped 3% in the last year!
The military industrial complex is looking forward to share prices jumping 7% as Israel dumps thousands of bombs on Palestine in just a few weeks matching what the American’s dropped in a whole year on Afghanistan!
Seemingly there are billions of dollars of oil & gas in the western Mediterranean that America would rather Israel control…
Who knows the truth behind any of this but it all creates fear in the hearts and minds of those listening and we’ve been indoctrinated to believe what we hear on the BBC.
So what does Rotary have to say about the conflict? Hopefully one written today would be equally appalled at Israel’s response.
Rotary statement on the conflict in Israel and Gaza
Recognizing there has been protracted suffering in the long history of conflict between Israel and Palestinians in Gaza, Rotary International urges all parties to seek avenues to peace.
At the same time, we unequivocally condemn the horrific attack by Hamas on Israeli civilians and are appalled at the number of people who have been injured, killed, and kidnapped.
As the war between Israel and Hamas intensifies, we remain deeply concerned about the potential for further escalation as well as the loss of life and the humanitarian crisis that is occurring in Gaza. We denounce the violence against innocent civilians and support upholding international humanitarian law.
Peacebuilding is both a cornerstone of Rotary’s mission and one of our areas of focus. At our core, Rotary is a common ground for people to come together – across nationalities and religions, cultures and histories – and connect around their shared belief in a better tomorrow. That connection is what humanizes us in times of conflict and builds a foundation for lasting peace.
Rotary remains committed to working with our members, partners, and communities to find long-term, sustainable solutions that support peace and development in the region and elsewhere.
I start thinking what can I do, what should I do…
The only thing any of us have any real control over is our garden, our little bit of England’s green and pleasant land.
In order to maintain our sanity, we need to be grateful for small mercies…
In line with Ron’s talk last month I asked ChatGPT about the phrase “THANK YOU”. ChatGPT is an AI robot for those of you who don’t recognise the term.
ChatGPT on “The Power of Thank You”
The phrase “thank you” holds great power in various aspects of life. Here are some of the ways in which expressing gratitude can have a positive impact:
Strengthening Relationships: Saying “thank you” can enhance and strengthen personal and professional relationships. It shows appreciation and recognition for the efforts and kindness of others. When people feel appreciated, they are more likely to continue their positive actions.
Fostering Positivity: Expressing gratitude can contribute to a more positive and harmonious environment. It creates a sense of goodwill and can uplift the mood of both the giver and the recipient.
Building Trust: Gratitude can be a key element in building trust. When people feel acknowledged and valued, trust in relationships and interactions tends to grow.
Enhancing Well-being: Practicing gratitude has been linked to improved mental and emotional well-being. It can reduce stress, boost self-esteem, and increase overall life satisfaction.
Encouraging Kindness: When you say “thank you,” you set an example for others. This can create a cycle of kindness where people are inspired to be more considerate and generous.
Motivating Others: Acknowledging someone’s contributions with a simple “thank you” can motivate them to continue to excel and perform at their best.
Cultivating a Culture of Appreciation: In organizations, a culture of gratitude can lead to higher employee morale, increased productivity, and lower turnover rates.
Resolving Conflicts: Expressing gratitude can be an effective way to resolve conflicts and misunderstandings. It helps shift the focus from negativity to a more positive and constructive perspective.
Improving Communication: Gratitude can open up channels of communication and make it easier to give and receive feedback, especially in difficult or sensitive situations.
Personal Growth: Practicing gratitude can be a part of personal growth and self-improvement. It encourages self-reflection and mindfulness, helping individuals become more aware of the positive aspects of their lives.
In summary, the power of saying “thank you” lies in its ability to foster positivity, strengthen relationships, improve well-being, and create a more harmonious and appreciative world. It is a simple yet potent tool for enhancing our interactions with others and making the world a better place.
Dr Emoto
GPT was obviously not pointed in the direction of Dr Emoto and his work which is just magical and reinforces much of the above, and for me provides the reason why.
I was going to adlib this bit as it is a story I have told to young people many, many times and one I need to start telling again…
In a few lines, we are made of water so by being nice to each other and saying kinds words, the water inside us resonates with the positivity to make us feel good. The opposite is true with negative words & sounds.
If you want to know more you can read all about Dr Emoto on my THANK YOU blog page.
Thank you.
Jon
