Day 4 - 244 -- Odd Behaviours

A friend and I recently discussed the interesting behaviour among those around us. The person who drives well over the speed limit no matter what the set limit or what the road is like -- windy, double solid line, raining. The person who moves ahead of you in a line -- sometimes acknowledging this and other times not. The person who shares their music at a deafening level even when a block away. Dan Rather noted in his post today that he "mourn[ed] a coarsening in our social discourse." Does this behaviour come from the portable music habits from Walkman to iPod? Are we so into our own thoughts that we become more selfish and see only 'what's in it for me' rather than how we fit with what is happening around us? Some commentators have called this a burgeoning entitlement -- a 'me' viewpoint -- with a loss of empathy for others -- 'my' needs must be met at all costs.

Dan Rather also stated today that he remains optimistic. I agree, though there are moments when things look bleak. Yet, small things can mean a lot here. Smiling or acknowledging someone's presence can be a great start. Taking time to listen rather than jumping to conclusions before the other person has finished speaking shows respect. Letting someone with a single item to purchase go ahead of you at the grocery store, or on a larger scale, ferrying neighbours through flood waters, puts the needs of others ahead of your own. Such actions should be part of daily life and not just for exceptional circumstances. How can we encourage people to live as part of a community and not as solitary beings? The best I can come up with today is to lead by example. As with many goals, this won't come without some hills to climb. I do enjoy listening to the iPod when out for a walk -- but I do try to nod and smile along the way and am ready to remove the ear buds for a chat when the chance presents itself -- well, most days at least <smile>. 

My friend and I termed the almost antisocial behaviours as 'strange.'  It is easy to call the people strange, but it may be only an odd behaviour. If so, there is more hope for change over time. Dr. Jane Goodall posted today 

"Let us pray for a growing awareness of the fact that each one of us must do our part in creating a better world, for though the small choices we make each day – what we buy, what we eat, what we wear – may seem insignificant, the cumulative effect of billions of people making ethical choices, will start to heal the natural world."

Much more eloquent that my attempts are today. The song shared here was one that came from the original discussion with a friend -- one that made us laugh a bit. Enjoy!

People are Strange -- The Doors