Grace, you mention the man-made or woman-made germs that have the potential to infect relationships, work, and mental, emotional and spiritual states. I think about all the germs that are being creating at work, not just the ones after your colleague leaves the restroom and you wonder why you didn’t hear the sink being turned on or the phone, scissors, copier, stapler and other office supplies that everyone shares. What about the germs of gossip?
Do realize how easy one colleague can spread gossip and infect an entire department, Grace? We can easily get caught up on how the gossip makes her feel and then, in turn, get a skewed perspective on the entire situation. Not only do I think about the skewed perspective in the office, I have to spin to the media. We each have client accounts we manage so there’s enough juggling too. We don’t need to juggle germs and unnecessary gossip.
And just when I think I don’t want to stand around the water cooler to listen anymore, she brings the conversation to my desk. Why can’t I have my own office! Instead, we’re in cubicles and she goes from one cubicle to the other, stinging her venom in each of us. How do I get away from this environment, short of starting my own business, which I eventually want to do? The impact of her germs does affect relationships among colleagues, work and emotional, mental and spiritual states.
At times, I remember the website you told me to look, www.sacredspace.ie, and just sit in front of my computer for 15 minutes getting back to what is important. And then, I look over my shoulder to see if anyone saw me take an unofficial 15-minute break. Nope. Whew, thank goodness.
Guiding Lesson: Eve, this is definitely a tough battle that many face. The germs of gossip spread like wild fires that can’t be contained, but destroy and cause deep wounds. How does one deal with this and live with integrity? This is a very difficult question to answer.
Let’s first discuss the beauty and gift of speech. When used for good, it has freed people; it has given the voiceless a voice; it has been a means to increase the quality of people’s lives; it has been the beginning of forgiveness and peace; and for lovers, it has and continues to try to express what can’t be expressed . . . Love.
So how can such a wonderful gift sting and spread so much venom? Can one shield oneself from this? Can it be stopped? What can make it stop? And what about the bystander, who doesn’t gossip, but doesn’t speak against it? I know it is harder than it sounds. But can you go on living with the fear of being poisoned without your consent?
Well, Eve, you have more power than you realize. Your heart is in the right place. Your focus is to help others and celebrate their success. However, even your job asks you to spin, to alter, to slant so that your company will reach their goals. Is there any truth you can lean on? The answer is yes. It can be found within you, in the silence of your heart.
Continue to take time to get connected with this. Taking a break and refocusing your energy on the Sacred Space website will help you get grounded. Before you enter the office, take time to experience silence. Enter the place within you where you can find the strength, the words and the courage to know when to speak, when to act and when to stay silent. To overcome this, you need to know what you stand for. Don’t fight to stop her, work to love her in your words, your actions and your silence. There is enough destruction at your work. It seems there is a great need to nurture love of self and others.
Remember, Eve, all words leave an odor, one that is repulsive or one that carries a sweet fragrance. Both have the ability to change the environment because they linger. You know your gift to stay positive and love others. Be yourself. The world around you needs you. You modeling this at work may encourage others to join in creating an atmosphere where the best possible self can emerge from everyone.
So before you speak, ask yourself, is it true? Is it kind? Is it necessary? This could be a great sign you create and hang up in your space for all to see. You have everything you need, including Grace to make a difference. As Ghandi said, “Be the change you want to see in the world.” What more can I say?
MissGuidedMom 