78. The Good Guest
Children love analogy! It brings the abstract closer to home. It creates supple minds. It helps to bridge concepts with experience. It’s parallel learning, engaging both hemispheres of our marvelous brains.
- So…by way of analogy…
- We have all been guests at one time or another…going to family for the holidays, staying with friends, traveling to new lands… On the flip side, it is likely we’ve all been hosts as well. A successful visit depends on the grace, perception and sensitivity of both sides. Many a tale can be told here by all…I’m sure.
- OK now, here’s the analogy in two parts:
Part One
You are a ‘foreigner’ traveling in a foreign land. All is unknown and unfamiliar. You feel a little insecure, disoriented, cautious and tentative. Your instincts are on high alert. You also feel adventurous, keen and curious to explore new ways and new experiences. But you are the guest. The people and place are your hosts.
How do you carry on?
Your choice determines everything. How you are will determine whether you learn anything new or not; whether you connect to the place and its inhabitants or not; whether you bring enhancement, healing, service, joy, humanity and humor to it or not…truly.
So what would it mean to be a ‘good guest’ in a foreign land?
Part Two
We are guests here!
~PAZ
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