Shakespeare, as he was wont to do, said it best. "Honesty is the best policy. If I lose mine honor, I lose myself."
Those of you reading this blog from places far and wide may not have had coverage of the recent sad and untimely death of Jack Layton, newly elected leader of Canada's official opposition. A true leader, he was loved by many -- even those who didn't agree with his politics. Though millions have been touched deeply by his words, in the cynical ways of politics, some naysayers (you find em in everywhere, non?) are calling the final letter he wrote to Canadians, narcississtic and self aggrandizing. I just don't get that.
Jack asked for and was granted the privilege to serve his country as leader of Her Majesty's Opposition in the Canadian Parliament. He likely felt he owed those who granted him that privilege and responsibility, some parting words. I call this both honest and honorable.
Linda Kavelin Popov, in her great wisdom shares very comprehensively the meaning of the virtues, on her 100 reflection cards. She speaks of the practice of honesty as "being truthful, sincere, open, and genuine." When we are being honest, "we see ourselves and others with unclouded eyes. We do not exaggerate to impress others. We refuse to lie, cheat or take what is not ours. We strive to keep our promises....We stand strong, knowing that we have true value in being who we are."
Jack took on a task, in 2004 as leader of Canada's New Democratic Party. And over four elections in the intervening years he and his team grew their parties seats from 13 to 103. When Jack realized that he was not going to be able to fulfill his mandate, he left a message to those who put their trust in him. I take my hat off to him. He shared honestly and from his heart. And millions were moved. Even people, like myself, that didn't belong to his party.
"Looking past divisive politics and differing views to the person on the other side of the issue may be challenging, but it's not impossible." says Elizabeth Lesser, cofounder of the Omega Institute and author of Broken Open: How Difficult Times Can Help Us Grow.
She goes on to say, "Otherising" is the dangerous act of turning someone into the enemy just because he or she looks different, prays different, speaks different, or thinks different. Some of history's most tragic events—wars, genocides, terrorist acts—began with ordinary people demonizing other ordinary people." Not to mention politicians and political parties. This must end. We must work together to solve the issues we all face together. And one of the ways to help it end is to practice really listening (the 5th strategy of the virtues project“) Lesser suggests, "Agree to these ground rules: Be curious, conversational and real. Don't persuade or interrupt. Listen, listen, listen.”
One of the things that I most admired about Jack was his committment and willingness to work across party lines. To listen to and weigh all opinions. Something we can all model in our homes, our workplaces, our communities.
Jack was not the first one to challenge all of us to engage with and learn from each other, to work together to make Canada a better country. And he won't be the last. You don't have to be a genuis to realize all of humanity must learn to engage with and learn from each other. To listen and to work together.
Often when we meet someone we really like we feel inspired by them. We get excited.
Over time, we realize that the object of our admiration is human, and even has views and opinions with which we don't agree. The bloom goes off the rose as they say.
To create a growing relationship of any kind, between friends, partners, neighbours or co-workers, we must learn to communicate, consult and cooperate. How much more then, do those humans charged with governing, need to learn and ceaselessly practice these arts. Sometimes the process helps the other to modify their opinions. Sometimes we modify ours. Whatever happens, there is value just in the exchange.
It's an illusion that there is an us/them. We are, all of us, spiritual beings having a human experience as Teillard of Chardin so eloquently said. Honesty calls us to "recognize illusions and self-deceptions, to gently let them go." Even to admit mistakes at the risk of disappointing or angering another. All of us need to be seen, heard and respected. The whole process, the clash of differing opinions, when done respectfully and openly, can result in the spark of truth. It moves us forward, to a new place.
Jack Layton inspired people in large part because he listened -- and because he told the truth. Because he cared.
He touched Canadians of all political stripes. I was inspired by him in life, as he campaigned this last April, his optimism and energy never flagging, but sadly, to be perfectly honest, I was even more inspired by him at his death. Like the life of one of my favorite public figures-- Dr. David Suzuki, (an honest voice for the science of climate change) -- Jack's letter to Canadians stirred me deeply. When I see someone who has given their life to trying to make this world better, it makes me want to do my part. I think many, many people feel the same.
My honest prayer? May all of us the world over work together for social justice in our homes, workplaces and communities. May we be honest with ourselves and others. We are one family -- the human family -- and it's way past time that we learned to love each other as well as the Earth and her inhabitants, upon which we all depend.
Jack Layton's final words said it in a way Canadians (and maybe you too) will not soon forget, "My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we'll change the world."
And as he was fond of saying throughout his career, "Don't let anyone ever tell you it can't be done."
Namaste
~ Kate
The Practice of Honesty
I am open and transparent.
I say what I mean and mean what I say.
I only make promises I can keep.
I continually seek to know the truth.
I have the humility to admit mistakes.
I am happy and content to be myself.
I am thankful for the gift of Honesty. It allows me to be fully myself.
Reflection Questions
What promises are mine to keep?
What would help me to truly be happy and content to be me?
Where and with whom could I be more open and transparent.
What illusions and self deceptions does honestly call me to recognize?
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