This episode centers around a 2007 social experiment performed by Washington Post magazine. Basically, Jacob Bell (one of the world's greatest violinists) played a stirring piece of music on a $3 million violin in the middle of a busy metro stations and only 7 people stopped to listen during the 43-minute performance. I discuss what's at play here and how it reveals an important ingredient that is so often missing from people's practice of mindfulness - and service.
This One Discusses:
The importance of becoming more compassionate for people as you become more present and aware...and they do not. See how easy it is to dismiss or condemn people's tendency to be preoccupied with their own "nonsense" and how much more effective it is to be compassionate.
The way we ascribe value to objects and experiences is all based on a story that we're agreeing to. And the same goes for how we view ourselves.
How effectively you can communicate with people by respecting their centrality - basically the fact that experiences life as the center of their own universe. Expecting someone to give the same importance to your preferences will lead to needless conflict and disconnection.
Recommended Pairings:
1) Episode: Dealing With Difficult People
2) Episode: Nobody Cares About You
3) Article: One Encounter, One Opportunity
Go Deeper Into The Mindful Service Movement:
Explore The Book ToC w/ Live Content Links
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Check out my partnership with The Institute for Organizational Mindfulness
