It took me all morning before I realized that it was February 2nd and for the first time in months I hadn't given a thought to writing this blog for the 1st of the month.
I wrote last month about the need for moderation in my life and I'm unhappy to report that I haven't managed to create a balance between work, rest and play so far.
When I decided to allow my name to stand to serve my community as councillor for the next three years, I truly had no idea what kind of time commitment I was making.
The sheer hours between meetings, trainings and reading rivals those of you working a full time job. At this rate, the stipend comes out to well below minimum wage. Hardly what I think we should be offering the people charged with making decisions that will impact our lives and our local environment for decades to come. (IMHP)
That aside, the most challenging aspect of the job for me thus far has been dealing with the public. A fractious group of citizens who desire to influence council about taxes has begun attending meetings. They are very confrontational, even threatening.
They show up to meetings with their anger showing on their faces and in their bodies and fling around 'facts' that are misleading and downright wrong. Rarely do they ask questions or attempt to get the facts. Their minds are already made up and they accuse council and staff of not knowing the true state of affairs in the municipality.
I'm so saddened by the lack of respect. For the staff that run our municipality and for the individuals (also taxpayers by the way) who are attempting to provide the services that make our lives easier on a daily basis.
Linda Kavelin Popov tells us that "respect is an attitude of honoring ourselves and others as people of dignity. We care for each person's dignity. Everyone has the right to expect respect. We show respect in the courtesy of our words, and in our tone of voice. We are all exquisitely sensitive to respect. When we treat others as we would like to be treated, we raise the level of trust and peace in our relationships. Respect is having reverence for the earth and all living things. When we live respectfully, we are a source of grace in the world."
Before hearing anything about where individual members stand or council as a whole, these people came out attacking - not just potential positions, but the people charged with making them. And the questions they asked seemed to be only to get their agenda on the floor, as they rebutted the answers with their own distorted 'facts'.
This early experience has been contrasted starkly for me by a public hearing that took place in chambers yesterday. The hall was filled, mostly with neighbours who came to give input on the potential rezoning of a lot in their area that would allow the owner to build another home.
Their feelings were very strong, and there were two viewpoints. Yes and no. The beautiful thing about it was it was truly democracy in action. Each speaker spoke their views and concerns eloquently and respectfully. The difference was astonishing.
At the end of the hearing I felt revived and refreshed. This was community consultation. When I commented on it and thanked them, they smiled and stood taller. They filed out of the room, a group of neighbours, using and respecting the democratic process and those of us left to carry on the business of the day felt like part of a wonderful community.
I'm afraid there are very few of us who can listen to angry vitriol and not feel defensive or at the very least, the need to protect and defend oneself. It's hard to not feel personally attacked.
The challenges facing humanity are going to require everything we have. The only way we have a hope is to learn how to consult together respectfully. To allow everyone's viewpoint to be heard. To then enable the clash of differing opinions to hopefully ignite the spark of truth.
When we play the right/wrong blame/shame game everyone loses.
My hope for humanity is that we will learn to work together.
Namaste
~ Kate
"There is a longing among all people and creatures to have a sense of purpose and worth. To satisfy that common longing in all of us we must respect each other." Chief Dan George
The Practice of Respect
I treat myself and others with dignity.
I speak and act with courtesy.
I am a peace builder.
I expect respect at all times.
I honor the sacredness of all life.
I live graciously.
I am thankful for the gift of Respect. It helps me to handle life with care.
Reflection Questions
How can I treat others with dignity?
What practices allow me to expect respect at all times?
What boundaries do I need to set to make sure I am respected?
How can I be a peace builder?
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