When a person preaches, even if it is from the deepest, most caring part of their beings, they loose sight of who they are talking to. They loose sight of reality and what or what may not be realistic, and - in their attempt to convert the soul of their fellow human - they also loose understanding and empathy.
When one preaches, they fail to take in any method that is not their own, and don't appreciate ideas or discussion on what might be better than their idea.
Preaching is so often considered as "Teaching" but from my experience, all it has ever been is brain washing/bullying. Often using dramatic fear tactics to threaten their friends into compliance.
Whether it be about religion or environmentalism, preaching is preaching.
Preachers also very often preach knowledge that they rarely know much about, thus giving poor information to their audience and possibly negatively effecting their point of view upon whatever one is preaching about. It is a tactic that, in my mind (and it is just that, mine), does more damage than good.
So, just as I believe a Christian who attends church every sunday and prays before every meal, but in general studies very little about their religion, and instead only spouts on what their teachers taught them, I do not believe that "Hippies", "Greenies" or "Eco Warriors" should preach to the world to recycle just because a talk show host or video on Youtube told them to.
Preaching is not the way to convince people to make changes in their lives. Preaching makes people turn off and slip into "Just smile and nod" mechanisms.
So how do we spread the word to be kinder beings, both towards each other and the planet?
Teaching.
Teaching is very different to preaching. It is different in that teaching can be a discussion of "back and forth" problem solving instead of "This is the 1 and only way, and if you don't do it, you're going to *insert threat here: Hell, kill the planet, pollute the ocean and hurt flipper, any is fine*" method.
Instead of telling someone what and how to do something, which usually sparks rebellion in the majority of people, ask. Ask them what they can do, realistically, in their lives to become better people.
Asking instead of telling makes a big difference when it comes to peoples co-operation.
Most people don't need scaremongering-preaching, but rather help in making practical changes.
Give people small, easy options. Small steps. Someone might not be able to jump the whole nine-yards in one go, but they might be able to take it in 9 small steps.
Leading by Example.
Leading by example is a fantastic method. It might not make as dramatic of a change as actively trying to teach compassion, but there is something to be said about simply being the person you want others to be.
It shows that it is possible, it shows that it is realistic, it shows that you aren't simply talking the talk, but that you can "Walk the walk" as they say.
If you can't live it, why expect anyone else to listen to you when you say they should?
The quote:
"It is easier to fight for ones principles than to live by them," ~ Alfred Adler
Comes to mind, whenever I think of this topic.
If we fight for our principles, it gives us the false illusion that we live by them. It makes us believe we are doing something, when in reality, we are doing nothing.
So as you go on your journey, to a better life both ethically, mentally and environmentally, remember that understanding is very important.
Understand that others are on different life paths to you, understand that you cannot control others and understand that all you can do is give information.
Understand that some people learn differently to others, as well, and that we all learn to be better people through many different methods.
And before you go preaching, understand that the best thing you can do is simply live by your principles.
As I write this, my mind is ticking over the question:
Am I now preaching to you?
I certainly don't intend any of my blogs to be "preachy", I believe that you should be able to make your own decisions and that is part of my beliefs. You have rights, just as much as I do, in what you choose to believe.
If I give you the information that I find to be helpful in changing the way I live my life for the better, but you choose that it is not for you, that is fine.
We don't all follow the same goals in life, so all I am here to tell you, is the information that I find helpful and encourages good thoughts and beliefs in me.
Although I do hope you, too, will agree that learning to be compassionate in every part of our lives and constantly trying to improve our levels of compassion is important, I understand if this way of life isn't for you.
I would love to live in a world where everyone were a vegetarian, not because they were nagged into it, but because it was first nature. I would love to live in a world that was fair ethically not because they were told to, but because every single person that resided in it, believed themselves, that is was right. I would love to live in a world where people were not ruled by money and it hurts me that I don't live in this kind of world. In reality I can't even change the world I do live in. But I am realising now, what I can do, is change myself.
... So, welcome, to the very early stages of a journey which I am taking on, that wont end until I die, and who knows? Maybe it wont even end there.
Any questions, comments or suggestions, post them below and I'll get back to you.
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