I feel that each of us has the potential to make some contribution and together, working with a clear aim, we can change our world. – Dalai Lama
I believe that we can all do something. These folks are helping, and so can we.
What does that mean?
To me, this is a great quote, and says quite a bit in just a few words. It starts by saying we all matter, we all have some potential. It does that by saying that we each have something to contribute. Something we can share, something we can do to help others, and make the world a better place.
The quote continues by saying this potential is even stronger when we act together. Alone, we can make small changes, but if we are united and work in concert, we can achieve amazing results.
Finally, the quote says that if we have a clear aim, a known and agreed on goal, we can help to make the world a better place. While we may not all have the exact same final goal, most of us have a fairly similar idea about the next step. And working towards a common goal, a clear aim, I believe we truly can change the world for the better.
Why is contributing to a better world important?
Consider that for a moment, and how you have already helped, or know people who have helped make the world a better place. Consider what they have done, and how others were able to benefit from their efforts. Perhaps you were able to benefit from their contributions as well. In either case, I would consider it a good thing.
When we contribute to changing our world for the better, we are trading our time, our effort, or our money for that change. While we are making the effort, we also get a great feeling as we are doing it, which is another benefit, besides the assistance provided.
Yeah, that’s not much comfort to the “what’s in it for me?” crowd, but my guess is you’re not one of them if you’re still reading this, right? Our contributions to our family, our community, and eventually the world, are not just a nice thing to do, but a vital part of being part of the world. It’s how we pay our rent.
Where can I apply this in my life?
We all have talents. We all have things we can do. These can be applied to helping ourselves, and they can also be applied to helping others. To this end, we can dedicate at least a portion of our time. Yeah, we’re all busy. But can you spare a weekend afternoon once a month to help out?
I know I can, and I imagine you can as well. The question is what are you willing and able to do which might be of assistance? As an example, you might ask how an accountant might change the world? Pretty much every organization has to handle money, donations, etc. What can an accountant do to be helpful?
What about someone who can’t do much, but likes to knit? How about gifts for an auction? A comforter, a sweater, a hot pad, or a warm cap and mittens could be a worthy contribution to help change the world. Pretty much everyone can do something, right?
Take a moment and consider what you can do. Grab some paper and start a list. I’m pretty good with computers, perhaps I could help with IT for a charity. I’m also pretty good with logistics and planning. I wonder how that could be put to use.
If you started thinking of what I might possibly be able to do, you’re on the right track. Now apply that to your own situation. Take what can you do and consider how that can be applied to something in your corner of the world. It can be a local group, or a branch of a world-wide movement.
I have some modest skills in basic building construction, and have worked with Habitat for Humanity fixing old houses. Can you swing a hammer without hurting yourself or others? Perhaps you could try that. Write at least one idea next to each of the items on your ‘can do’ list.
Let’s start by taking a look at the list and picking a few of the things which you like to do, or enjoy doing. Can you narrow it down to a few of your favorite things? What you should be trying to do is find something you will look forward to doing, not try to find excuses to not do, right?
Now that you have an idea, what are you going to do about it? It’s just a pleasant idea until you come up with a plan. And it’s just a plan until you take action. Do you have a particular organization or group in mind? When will you decide which one? When will you contact them? When will it become real?
We can all be of some help, no matter how small a help that might be. The question is if you will do so, and when will it happen?
From: Twitter, @DalaiLama
confirmed at : it’s his own feed…
Photo by Amor Ministries
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- Social media really IS changing the world (johnpopham.wordpress.com)
- The Dalai Lama: What This World Needs. (elephantjournal.com)
- If we make consistent effort, based on proper education, we can change the world. (philosiblog.com)
- When we embrace, understand, or create emptiness… we move closer towards fullness. (thirdiradio.wordpress.com)
