The Direction of Intention

115.
Join me in inspiring truly powerful people. Each day I will add a new thought, story or idea to support your quest and mine.

I am walking down California Avenue, a very busy street, one of the main thoroughfares running through my West Seattle community. Suddenly cars stop in both directions, drivers intentionally blocking traffic. Patrons come out of cafes and coffee houses, many carrying ropes, some with spare leashes. Then I see the dog, a lab mix prancing down the center line excited by the spontaneous game of chase unfolding on his behalf. He wants to play, too! So many nice people chasing him, he runs to and fro, sprinting down the yellow lines then turning back to give his pursuers a chance to catch up.

I sit to watch.

Responsible citizens run down the long line of cars backing up the avenue behind the now empty lead cars to explain the reason for the traffic stoppage. More people jump from their cars to see if they too can lend a hand and corral the playful dog.

Among the many miracles of this moment is that everyone involved is cooperating. No horns are honking. No obscenities are launching. All the hurry-up-and-get-there is put on hold; a higher purpose has presented itself and everyone wants to help. There is laughter amidst the concern. It is a self-organizing team, no meetings or debates necessary. All this generosity for the safety of a dog playing in a dangerous road.

We have this generosity in us. This is who we are. Imagine what we might create if we extended the same consideration to ourselves that we offer our dogs. Try this experiment: look around and see who in your life is playing on a dangerous road. What courtesy will you extend to them? Will you leave your café seat? Will you stop traffic? What will you do to keep them safe? What will you do to enter the game?

Filed under: Truly Powerful People |