Our small community of writers gathers together this month at Spiritual Journey Thursday to explore the timely topic of respect offered by our host, Linda Mitchell.
Respect is a focal point in interpersonal relationships and personal identity. It is the basis for healthy living but there has been a rise of disrespect in the world. Incidences of disharmony have been recorded in newspapers. Evening news bulletins show areas of open strife that have led to violence. Hate, major misunderstandings, and ill will to others seem to be some causes. All of this saddens many. The lack of respect seen disrupts everyday living causing the downfall of positive relationships.
This year, adults will return to the workplace and students to their classroom from all different situations. How they interact with one another is a concern. A growth-minded viewpoint is key to creating an environment where all are encouraged to positively relate to one another, take risks, and thrive in joyful settings. How shall we proceed this year? Will will take on the banner of respect and make it our mantra? Shall we listen to the wisdom of scripture?
"Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord." - Romans 12:9-11
Shall we look to ancient philosophers, like Confucius, for guidance or the gentle wisdom of Mother Teresa?
"If a man is respectful, he will not be treated with insolence. If he is tolerant, he will win the multitude. If he is trustworthy in word, his fellow men will entrust him with responsibility. If he is quick, he will achieve results." -Confucius
"Works of love are always to accept and respect others." - Mother Teresa
As this year brings people back to the workplace and students to their classrooms, we are faced with the issue of how to create communities of joy where respect for one another leads to honoring all voices. This type of environment builds a safe community for all to coexist in peacefully. Are we ready to take on the mantra of respect for the betterment of society?
In 2019, poet-teacher Heidi Mordhorst introduced the definito poem form. It is a free verse poem of 8-12 lines (aimed at 8-12 year olds) that highlights wordplay as it demonstrates the meaning of a less common word, which always ends the poem. I deviated from the format by introducing a universal word that should be posted in every classroom and practiced in the workplace and homes.
Respect
for self
just
a feeling of admiration
just
regard for one another in
Carol, wow, you have shared such wisdom here. I went to a similar place with the prompt of respect. "works of love" is a beautiful phrase from Mother Teresa. And that mantra..."Even if we disagree about everything we can still be kind to each other." That's a great message.
ReplyDeleteYou have really captured the essence of respect especially in those last lines.
"communities of joyful interactions and explorations
sharing gifts of trust and consideration
for life and living"
So beautiful!
I love your definito about a universal word. Your beautiful poem and art would be a nice addition as a poster in those workplaces and classroom walls.
Denise, I read your comment last week since it was the first one and thought that I returned a comment but who knows what happened. I would like my poster to be place in workplaces and classrooms. For now, I sent it out on Twitter today as a Monday Motivation and asked that it would be sent around the world since a core group of my Twitter contacts live in other countries.
DeleteThanks for the shout-out, Carol--I like how you called up Aretha by spelling out the last word!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the visit, Heidi. I do appreciate your example of a definito. It was my mentor text for today's poem. Yes, I did refer to Aretha without adding the video.
DeleteCarol, your image poem so clearly conveys what respect is not in addition to what it is, an interesting lens through which to view it. Love the deliberate spelling of the word there, in conjunction with the premiere of the Aretha Franklin movie! You're so right, communities of joy and respect honor all voices - for all are powerful.
ReplyDeleteFran I used Heidi Mordhorst's definito poem as a mentor text to pen my own. I hope that schools focus on the topic of respect this fall as we did here. Have a wonderful week and happy back-to-school. I know you will keep the word front and center in your work this year.
DeleteWhat a thoughtful post. Thank you for blending the idea of joy with respect, too. It's not all serious and doleful. Respect is part of love and oh, gosh...more of that please! Hooray for a definito! I do love the form and try to write some when I can. It's been a while. I need to write a new one...but about a different word. You've nailed respect.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Linda for your comment. I enjoyed creating a definito with the topic you suggested. Heidi's example was a great mentor poem for me. I look forward to seeing a new definito from you.
DeleteThank you, Carol. Yes, we can still be kind to one another. I hold that in my heart.
ReplyDeleteKaren, thanks for commenting last week. I am finally getting around to comment. I am so glad for our community who believes in respect for others. Continuing holding it in your heart.
DeleteGreat use of Heidi's form. I like how you repeated the word just with a slight change of meaning, "just regard for one another".
ReplyDeleteHeidi's definito poem was a great mentor text for me, Margaret. Respect is such an important word in today's society. Have a wonderful weekend.
DeleteI loved your thoughts on respect and your definito. You always bring such a smorgasbord of ideas to our theme. "A feeling of admiration and regard for one another" - something our world certainly needs in greater supply.
ReplyDeleteRespect seems to be a problem in life today. If only everyone could see the interconnection of respect with love and remember to love one another.
DeleteAh Carol, such a meaningful and timely post. I wish you could post this in the NYTimes and other media sources so respect would become contagious. It is effective how you started your poem out with the use of anaphora "not a" and then switched to a more positive word "just." I espeically love these lines in your porem "regard for one another in/communities of joyful interactions and explorations/sharing gifts of trust and consideration." Love your mantra "Kindness leads to mutual respect." Thank you for sharing, caring, your kindness and your inspiration.
ReplyDeleteGail, it is with concern that I wrote this blog and decided on a definito poem. I have a kindness dove graphic that I intermittently send around the globe on Twitter. You just reminded me to send it out again with this blog post.
DeleteStrong poem Carol, and your ending lines, ring in the meaning,
ReplyDelete" trust and consideration
for life and living
r-e-s-p-e-c-t"
Thanks for reading my poem on respect, Michelle. Aretha's song is still front and center.
DeleteRespect and kindness are definitely needed in our world! Thanks for your poem!
ReplyDeleteRuth, I am wondering if your government in Haiti believes in respect for all. I am thankful that you remain safe there. I send you well wishes as you start a new school year.
Delete