In Call It a Mission… I noted that Shoghi Effendi said, “There is no time to lose. There is no room left for vacillation.” I suggest that this is not about panic. It is about noble Purpose, each day lived. Every day, nature practices this, in every Season. The journey varies but it continues. Life is Life. Marcus Aurelius said, “Fix your eyes on what you have to do. Remember, you must be a good human being. Do what nature demands of you without hesitation. Speak what is just as you see it, but do so with courtesy, modesty, and sincerity.”
Enter Nobility. This past month, I have been introduced to This Is Us by a truly trusted and loved Friend, and we have binge watched now into Season 4 over two weeks. I am struck by the Humanity of the show. I am struck by the story of Jack and Rebecca and their kids and all. It keeps gently (and sometimes not so gently), powerfully pounding into my Soul… the wise idea that we best live our lives, by meeting Life as it shows up, doing our best to respond, making our mistakes, growing from there… and wholly trying to do the right thing; nobly so. Not an easy road, but a necessary one.
Beyond the great writing and acting (IMHO), this show reminds me of my own work forward… personally and ongoingly within … and in hopeful and intent Service to the world, and my own corner of it. I have work to do, within and without, as we all do. Again, enter Nobility.
Character and Nobility of Spirit are within our grasp. We have the capacity to rise to Life. The Boxer in me ever better understands how I must bob and weave and respond… and embrace Life with my best efforts towards Nobility. It may hurt at times… and a lot. And, it does, make no mistake about it. But, Nobility both calls us and supports us. Indeed and in deed, accepting our Nobility is ground zero… in facing Life. For me, I am finding strengths in the story of Jack and Rebecca and all… and I am finding much in the Character and Nobility of Jack that speaks to my Soul. As I approach the Fall, I see 6 milestones to my own better man. My Fall to Rise, if you will. And, I know how Nobility of Spirit can help move me through them. I need to ever better practice it. Missed takes and all. As Life arrives, I must needs choose to rise to meet it.
Right now, I simply suggest four things. Watch This is Us, even again if you have already. Secondly, consider the words of Marcus Aurelius when he said… “Waste no more time arguing what a good man should be. Be one.” Third, consider the words of Baha’u’llah in saying ” When the swords flash, go forward!” Fourth, read and reflect on Nobility and what it might look like in practice for you. I am. May we each meet Life with our best and most noble selves, one day at a time. Nobility; this is indeed us. I have work to do.
Barry Lewis Green, The Unity Guy with Epic Engage.
CONSIDER
Developing Leadership Character – Ivey Business Journal
“Intelligence plus character—that is the goal of true education.” ― Martin Luther King Jr.
“Human greatness does not lie in wealth or power, but in character and goodness. People are just people, and all people have faults and shortcomings, but all of us are born with a basic goodness.” ― Anne Frank