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A MANNER OF SPEAKING - by Mary Giuffre May 26, 2010 - “What can I do for you?” is my very favourite question. I love to ask it and I love it when I’m asked. It’s a gracious question, a courteous question. It makes the asked feel respected and the asker feel empowered. It’s also a generous question, allowing both parties the opportunity to give of themselves to the other. As a heartfelt inquiry it’s evidence that we are aware of, and care how other people feel and it’s an obvious demonstration of good manners.Unfortunately considerate social behaviour is on a steady decline because technology helps us neglect the people around us. In our so-called advanced techno-culture, graciousness, courtesy, generosity, respect and many other signs of a well-mannered society appear to be completely ignored. Personal interaction is diminishing. Apartment dwellers don’t acknowledge each other on elevators and suburbanites haven’t a clue who their neighbours are anymore. We don’t know the bank teller, because we always use the ATM. In many large retail stores, cashiers have been replaced by Self-Check-Out counters. When we call for service we rarely get an actual human being on the line. After lengthy PRIORITY SEQUENCE cues listening to spa music and despite an automated operator endlessly repeating how VERY IMPORTANT we are, when a real person actually picks up the line, we don’t know who the heck they are and really don’t care, which provides a ridiculous excuse to treat them in the rudest way possible. Many of us who work for ourselves choose isolation over conversation, going days without actually speaking to someone else. Voice-mail, e-mail, text and instant messaging allow us to connect with people around the world instantly, but sadly they also allow us to disconnect from each other emotionally. We’ve all participated in or witnessed e-mail conversations that have left one or both parties feeling bruised, because rapidly written responses don’t convey the subtle nuances expressed though real conversation. The way we treat each other everyday is a very personal indication of what’s important to us. Good manners encourage positive emotions in the receiver and the giver of the courtesy. Polite behaviours carry an uplifting energetic vibration so treating each other with dignity and respect enhances our overall well-being! Above all a gracious face-to-face or verbal exchange acknowledges our interconnectedness ~ our Oneness with our Divinity and with each other. Now here’s a challenge, this week turn the tables and introduce yourself to your waiter. After a waiting too long at a service desk, ask the server how their day is going, give some time to the parking lot attendant who’s just trying to make a living and ask a sales clerk ~ What can I do for YOU? Then let me know how you feel! - More articles by Mary Giuffre on What's invisible ~ Go with the Flow! An award winning Television Producer/Director/Writer for over 30 years, Mary Giuffre sidestepped mainstream media and created SoulWater EnergyWorks to focus on the Mary Giuffre ~ Specializing in Feng Shui For Your Spirit© Mentoring
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