"We get tested along the path, and we are asked, 'Are you in this for the ride, or are you in this to go as deeply as you can into the path of service and into the expression of who you could be?'" -- James O'Dea, Former Executive Director, Seva Foundation
In January, we began a series of articles exploring the principles of transformation and how to apply them in everyday life to facilitate the awakening of consciousness. You'll find those earlier articles listed in my author's archive here.
Today's offering is a continuation of this discussion and centers around the principle of service as a path to the awakening and expansion of one's individual and our collective consciousness, and thus, transformation of the human experience.
There are many ways to approach this conversation, for indeed we are immersed in the concept of service nearly every moment of our lives. But not all service is offered with the intention to cause transformation.
Today we live in a service economy , where fully 85 percent of non-farm workers in the U.S. are employed in the service sector, according to the U.S. Commerce Department. This likely includes you and your job. You are either providing a direct service to the end user, aka customers, or indirectly through business-to-business relationships. Either way, chances are good that on a daily basis, you engage in the delivery, the support or the acquisition of services.
What determines whether the kind of service in which you engage the greatest part of your waking life is transformative or simply a means to an end? Is it possible to be doing an everyday, routine kind of job and create a transformative experience, or does one have to become a Mother Theresa in order to be a true servant?
Recall the last time you ate in a restaurant. What do you remember about the person who took your order? What was their name? Did they engage you beyond the perfunctory greeting and ask for the order? Did you engage them beyond giving your order or asking questions about the menu? Did you learn anything about yourself or them through the exchange? Were they just a worker doing their job and were you just a customer being fed? What kind of human beings were you with one another in the exchange?
This is the kind of routine interaction we experience often, whether or not we're eating in a restaurant. It could be a straight-forward experience in which goods and services are provided in exchange for money and that's it. Or the experience could be a "moment in time" when the veil between strangers is lifted and something more occurs; a human connection takes place beyond the business at hand.
Take Anika, for example, who works at one of my favorite place: The Sunnyside Café in Berkeley, Calif. She is a master server, but more importantly she is a master servant. Anika is infinitely patient with her customers, namely me and the group of 6-8 people I usually go to brunch with on Sundays after church. But Anika's warmth is not limited to us. That's how she is with everyone: present, connected, patient, understanding, helpful and human. Anika goes out of her way to make sure her customers are being served in a way that leaves them not only full and fed but nurtured from the inside out.
What Anika serves is not listed on the menu but is greater than any dish that is. Consider that every interaction with every single person you encounter has seeded within it the possibility of connection at this level.
You know people like this, I'm sure. You've had experiences with someone who came to your home to provide a service and in the process you encountered a human being so special you would have paid them twice their fee. This is what I'm calling "transformative service" or Seva, which is a Sanskrit word meaning "selfless service."
Consider what James O'Dea, former executive director of the Seva Foundation, has to say about the subject:
"Service is not a form of moral obligation. It's more about feeling the potential of the universe, the latent energy within the universe that is waiting to be released and expressed through you and your own unique qualities. There is no single paradigm of service. How do we truly release ourselves into the field of action?"
How Can You Serve Humanity?
You don't need to go to India or to a third world country to make a difference. An aspect of seva is "compassion in action" -- to bring a conscious awareness of compassion to your every action. A good question to ask yourself in the midst of what you're doing is:
Who's Doing the Doing?
You know when you're being served in a way that leaves you with more than you paid for, in a good way. But how do you know if you're offering the same thing in return?
If you want to know if your actions result in a difference being made for others, a good question to ask is, "What is my motivation for doing what I do?" Who are you being in this very moment?
With the people at work, with your family, your friends, with the grocery store checker or the person in front of you in the line at ATM, who are you being?
Are you going through the motions, AWOL from the experience, disconnected, cut off, caught up in your private world of worries and concerns? Or are you focused out? Are you focused on the person right there next to you or in front of you?
How's it going for them? What do they need and how can you serve them right now?
Intention is Everything
Compassion in action or selfless service doesn't require heroics. You don't have to save someone from a burning building or snatch them out of the way of a speeding truck in order to serve.
A true servant is one who has answered an inner call to show up and be present to what is right before them, and who asks the question, "What can I contribute?"
Sometimes, the best way to serve is not always to say "yes." It takes a great deal of discernment to know when saying "no" will serve a higher good. Sometimes what's being asked is to serve another's addiction to unworthiness or fear, and a true servant will have the courage to decline, rather than enable another's smallness.
But intention is everything. It's from our intention to make a difference that we engage in actions that forward the whole of humanity. Imagine if every single person engaged in just one act of compassion every day, multiplied by 7 billion -- what would we be creating?
We're all serving something all the time. The question is: What are you serving?
You're either serving a belief based on the ego's distorted conversation about what is true, or you're in service to a greater truth about who you are and the nature of the universe and your place in it. What will it be?
I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences about this subject. Please do leave a comment in the space below and/or come visit my personal blog and website at Rx For The Soul.
Become A Fan and be notified when new posts appear. For personal contact you can reach me at judith@judithrich.com.
Be well and blessings on the path.
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Paul Shoemaker, SVP
Of course action is absolutely necessary. My statement that intention is everything often trips people up because they think I'm implying that all one has to do is "intend" and magic happens. Well, yes and no. Magic, if you want to call it that , or in this case, action has as its source the intention. Behind every action is one's intention. Without it nothing happens.
I visited your link but failed to understand what you wanted to me to see there. Is there a specific video you intended for me/ us to view? Your intention wasn't communicated clearly enough for me to be able to take the action you wanted. Get my point? Intention precedes action and therefore determines it. Does that make sense?
Thanks for making this point. There is much more to be said about this particular subject. Stay tuned.
Judith
I have enjoyed your shares many times, but this one has made me cry. It is such a beautiful summation of what my goal in life. In fact, it is a beautiful summation of most religious and spiritual traditions, unencumbered by dogma or sectarianism.
This is something that I will print and discuss with my grandchildren, who are both under 10 years old. It parses the subtle difference between being a trusting and trusted servant, and being an enabler and co-dependent.
Bravo.
Thanks for your comment and for wading into the water here. We're a fine bunch and we welcome your presence. We've saved a seat for you, here at the "well", so do come on back!
So happy to hear this offering touched you in a place that makes a difference. That, after all, is the point, isn't it?
Many blessings and fanning you as well,
Judith
I love this piece. As far as I'm concerned, transformative service is 'where it's at.' Not that the big neon light service, with lots of money thrown at the problem is not useful. It is just that for me, my Way has come to me as a Little Way, one that brings me great joy. Simply greeting strangers as well as friends, trusting that our paths are crossing for Purpose, remembering that we are here in these bodies for a flickering of a moment, when you get right down to it, makes taking the blinders down more that worth the risk. Yes, it is true, there are those who will be cranky, resistant, but that is not my problem Too many times I've found gold in the lead where least expected. I know this is so for you as well.
Keep that pen moving, my girl,
Love,
Cara
Well, I must admit that a large part of what inspires me to keep that pen moving is YOU! In ways beyond description, I might add. In ways that only a fellow hall walker could know. In ways that only two people who have created their own "language" could know. And I know I don't have to mention examples. You are the one who knows.
Finding gold in the lead, now that's a seductive treasure hunt, yes? And so the seekers and the journeyers continue the trek up the mountain trail and surely will save a spot for the other when the top is reached.
I do so love you,
Judith
Here' the great thing about the trek: we have a buddy on the other end of that rope for safety purposes! Whether that chord, (yes, 'chord,' as well as 'cord) be visible or not, it is the 'tie that binds,' fellow hall-walker.
If you have a moment, 'come on over' to my place here, nearby. Haven't seen you in quite some time!
Mucho love, and gratitude for all, and everything,
Cara
You captured it with this: " mostly though i go about in the clouds, muttering about bliss as if it were an imposition." Ain't that the truth!
Bliss is awaiting our recognition and willingness to receive it. Meanwhile, the ego is grumbling about traffic lights and pimples. It does evoke compassion for us poor humans, though. Ya gotta laugh at how far off we are at times.
"The Laughing One" as you call it, has plenty of material for laughter. Perhaps we should join in more, eh?
What thinkest thou?
This is the question of the hour.
Thank you Judith.
Namaste
Bows to you,
Judith
I definitely want to be counted as "one who has answered an inner call to show up and be present to what is right before them..." Sometimes I'm there, while other times not so much. I guess the key is to extend grace to myself so I can extend it to others.
I love what you say here:
"We're all serving something all the time. The question is: What are you serving? You're either serving a belief based on the ego's distorted conversation about what is true, or you're in service to a greater truth about who you are and the nature of the universe and your place in it. What will it be?"
That reminds me of a super great song Bob Dylan wrote back in the early 80's called "Gotta Serve Somebody". The lyrics are too long to post, but here's a YouTube link to Patti Austin's version of the song. It's about 8:00 long, but it's so worth it!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rxg9ALV7hkA
Much love,
Sharon
Thanks so much for including the Patti Austin link. It/she is fabulous! How did I get this far without ever having heard this song before? It is amazing!
Extending grace - a lovely thought on which to launch the weekend.
Big love to you,
Judith
http://anyshinything.com/2012/03/23/improve-your-life-part-2/
Thanks so much for sharing your experience! Yours is a perfect example of Shakti Gawain's advice in her book "Do What You Love, The Money Will Follow".
I took a little side trip over to your web site and I love what you're offering! Keep up the great work. You truly are a writer and a teacher, and thus, a servant.
Blessings your way,
Judith
Afterwards I asked what I could do for him. He told me nothing. After he left I went to his website and found his landing page in serious need of search engine optimizing. So I called him up and offered to do that, for free of course, as an expression of gratitude. He was having dinner and said he'd call back. Hope he will. I look forward to serving someone who serves from the heart, as he does.
It's so nice to see you back here. We've missed you! Hope all is well in your camp.
What a wonderful share! One good turn really does deserve another! This is how it works, yes? God bless you and the man who rescues cats.
Serving from the heart always wins. Blessings your way,
Judith
This time I had an experience from just yesterday that fit your article perfectly. So I popped out of the margin to share it. Ah, synchronicity!
Infinite love and joy to you!
The truth is, I engage strangers all the time. And I’m always amazed at what comes from it. It’s a constant reminder of how much we are alike. I see how eager others are to talk and I’m surprised by what they will tell you if you just start the conversation. Through it all, I sense we are not listening, we feel we are not being heard. That Intention Is Everything really sums it up.
I wasn't always this way, but one of my favorite ways of being in the world is in relationship with strangers. In part, it's what I do for a living when I present seminars, at least in the beginning, everyone is a stranger. But it's amazing how quickly the human connection can be established and very soon, new family members appear where strangers once were.
It's all about intention isn't it?
Have a well intentioned day, dear friend,
Judith
LOL... my wife says that to me there are no strangers... it is both a blessing and a curse, somewhat dependent on how much of a hurry we are in. :oP
Interestingly enough, earlier this evening I had a great discussion with a server on the parameters of tipping and her observations about the differences born from cultural influence. It all started with a simple question, "How's the night going?"
You said something about listening and not being heard: together they represent the essence of conversational art, the core of communication, and the adhesive that binds a relationship, albeit extended or brief. Besides, it signals to another human something that is too often missing... that you give a damn!
Lawson
My wife tells me I go beyond “business at hand”, or simply, I talk too much… to servers. OK, I may, on occasion, but I can’t help it. I see so many not communicating, and I’m truly interested in their circumstances. For the most part, they welcome the attention, in fact I believe some are surprised anyone cares.
After a time, they initiate conversation, e.g., we eat at Joe’s Grill, an independent casual place with great food, service, and attitude. We’ve become “friendly” with one particular server, and he always catches us up on his life, and asks about ours.
I guess my motives are layered, as I suspect most people’s are. But, after thinking about them, the two main ones are to help where I can, and to contribute in some significant manner to the individuals of the moment, hoping that they will eventually spread any transformation through additional human connection using the old domino effect.
Another part of my contribution is that I seem to be able to quickly connect with people, make them laugh, smile, or at least show that I see them; having substance means having significance, and that is important too.
About saying “no”: you are right of course, but would add the there are many times when it takes a bit of courage to say “yes” too. Choice, commitment, courage… go together.
One of seven billion intentions,
Lawson
I didn't write it but I could have.
You just can't help yourself, can you? I know the feeling! That's why I love the James O'Dea quote I included in this piece.
"Service is not a form of moral obligation. It's more about feeling the potential of the universe, the latent energy within the universe that is waiting to be released and expressed through you and your own unique qualities."
It's the impulse for self expression directed in a way that focuses on the well being and benefit to others. That's who you are, my friend. You just can't help but be connected in this way.
And as for saying "no", it can be the most difficult kind of service, I think, for it doesn't produce warm fuzzies, at least in the short term. I'm thinking of times when an "intervention" is needed. "Tough love", if you will. This is definitely another kind of service, but a critical one when needed. We're not conditioned to give or receive it well. But again, as I said, "Intention is everything". When delivered with love and compassion, even the toughest love can be received in due time.
So who's your favorite server at Joe's Grill? How do you serve HIM?
Hope your day is glorious,
Judith
Service being expressed through one’s unique qualities is one powerful idea, because I believe individual strengths are developed from within, rather than in accordance with external parameters… life’s tapestry needs to be textured.
I hadn’t thought about a service impulse as self-expression focusing on another’s well being, but I ‘reckon it is. I don’t connect with others for injurious reasons, or solely for my benefit; yet oddly, I seem to benefit from it so often.
About saying “NO”… when I say no, I do get warm and fuzzies, at the end, when positive results occur for the right reasons. On the other hand you so right about us not being conditioned to give or receive it well. Maybe it is tied up in the ubiquitous need to be right, or the pain of rejection. Regardless of the cause, often, it just ain’t easy!
The server, Casey, is a great person on his own for the first time; carrying that stressful baggage. First I listen, then, ask relevant questions, all while maintaining eye contact so he know's I “see” him. My intent is to serve him by letting him know he matters, that I care, and that he can tap potentials about which he may not yet be aware. The one thing I avoid, is the all to frequent “taking turns talking.” I can get that at home… :p
Thanks for being there!
Lawson
See what happens when you have two friends you admire and love so close to each other, you and Cara are so close in my mind and my heart, I often think of you both together; face it, you both are in tune and often reflect the same tone and message.
I have made this mistake too many times ( and not just with you two ), and as a blundering about, vertically challenged, moderately pudgy white guy with an irritating bald spot... I apologize.
Ruddy from my faux pas! :(
Lawson
Whenever I am in a position to have the opportunity to do the same I almost ...well, I do feel that people are doing me a service by allowing me to make them smile or to help carry a parcel or do some other service. This is not to say that I am 100% compassionate 100% of the time but helping others, listening to them, learning about them... I love these spontaneous times of "connection" as you say.
Intention and motivation shine through when they come from a place deep within vs out of duty or because the Bible or some other source says to do it.
Thank you so much for being instrumental in reminding me just how fortunate I am to have such people in my path, including yourself, of course.... and, no I am not looking for a doggie biscuit :)
Concerning saying "no" .. sometimes I find that a bit of a challenge at times; however, am improving.
Smiles and warm wishes....
Those little acts of compassion are what matter most, yes? On the giving and receiving end of them, it brings great joy to brighten up someone else's day. I love to initiate and see how the other person responds, especially with strangers.
The other day I was in a crowded elevator and decided to do what I've always wanted to do. I was standing at the front and I turned around facing everyone and said, "now that I've got your undivided attention, the reason I've called you all together......" and I didn't have to finish because everyone was laughing. And I asked them if they'd always wanted to do that and they all said yes, but no one ever had the nerve.
It was a teeny tiny thing, but it put a little cheer in everyone's day and it felt good. They actually thanked me for making them laugh. Who knows how anyone was served that day? Who knows, but maybe the heaviness in someone's heart was lifted. It lifted mine!
Glad to see you here as always,
Judith
My favorite cartoon character is Maxine.
Speaking of elevators, many years ago I was going for an important job interview. The evening before, my mate was lying on the sofa, sleeping, with heavy boots on. I shook him to awaken him and he was dreaming or whatever and his foot landed accidentally on my eye leaving me with a whopper of a shiner.
Coming out of the elevator for the job interview the following day, all nervous about my discoloured eye, and with no clue what to say as the interviewer greeted me, I blurted out, " A funny thing happened to me on the way up in the elevator, I got mugged." I got the job !
Well, am off to play my Nikita role. Have to show those physiotherapists how to work those pulleys over and over again.
Barrels of laughter your way ...
On the other hand, I do enjoy serving and I can see and feel the energy connecting us humans and it is wonderful.
I have had many Anika-type moments but the one that will always stay stuck in my mind is a young teen with a Free Hugs poster at a quay-side in Geneva, Switzerland. I noticed that passers by in front of me were avoiding her outstretched arms which I thought was a shame, so I stepped into them and gave her a huge hug, and my goodness I got more than I bargained for.
I literally felt the warmth in the middle of her chest penetrate mine and vice versa. It was astounding. I sincerely believe that is what we are all here for - to share that heart-healing warmth. And her memory helps me so I do my part in my own small way of paying it forward.
Cheers
Catherine
Yes, I'm sure you do my dear! You know how I know? Because you consistently show up in this space as someone who cares about others.
I love the "free hugs" idea...... there it is in a simple gesture, yet profoundly intimate. I'm imagining what the world would be like if people greeted one another with hugs. Not just friends and family and people we know, but everyone. I know it sounds crazy, but such a small thing could go a long way to heal what ails humanity.
I'm happy you dropped by today..... smiles and warm hearts all around!
Love,
Judith
"... one moment in time
When I'm racing with destiny
and in that one moment of time
I will feel, I will feel eternity"
And you're still here to share that one moment in time. Whitney isn't.
Thanks for paying it forward.
And for serving like she did, with your voice.
So I had a double espresso. In an empty mall. Before 9am.
It was the ultimate business-to-business experience in a way. Because there were a lot of shops, but no business.
And then came my Anika-type moment. The guy behind the counter said "grazie" when I paid my espresso. Wow did I feel like I was in Italy at that instant. Despite the fact that I was definitively to the North of the Alps, in an empty shopping mall, waiting for my appointment at the dentist's.
Awesome. What a service economy!
Imagine that, being transported across time and space to another country with the utterance of a single word..... more service than you bargained for, yes? Kind of makes one wonder how else we influence others far beyond our knowing.
How did the dentist appt. go?
:-)
The dentist? It was ok. It was a checkup on some pain in the dent I had half a year ago.
I saw a man this morning
whose face was drawn with scars
so bent and broken it seemed
I wondered of his world
and his towering bars
his clothes were tattered and worn
and for what little it mattered
I felt a need in my heart
to learn of the roads
on which he had become so battered
and his head was hung
in such a sad dispairing way
I wanted so much to talk with him
about this spring with its'
bursting blossoms in may
yet so out of place
so out of time
though his skin was not the color
of white, his eyes seemed swollen
and without sight, I wondered at the depth
and varied shades of his buried might
but I just let him walk on by
and felt a pain as I heard his soft
but heavy fear, yet knew in my heart
then that his days still lay of learning
of the courage in the simple human tear.
Rolf KrogsætherC.1975
This is so poignant! We have now, in this country, a controversy over a Latino man having gunned down a young black man who was wearing a hoodie, but who did nothing to threaten the Latino man. There is not a happy ending here, it's a tragedy all the way around.
Just having the courage to see who the "other" is, without the filters and judgments, would be a huge service to mankind. We have a long way to go........
As always, I'm appreciating what you contribute here. Blessings your way,
Judith
I still remember that man and that is about an actual real situation and thought it was appropriate even though it was a number of years ago 30+.. And we continue the work Judith and your wonderful essays setting the focus is for me simply fantastic to be a part of. Thank you Judith and until next time.
Rolf