Perhaps one of the greatest gifts we can give another is to mirror something back that we do not yet see.  When someone does not behave in a way that we would like them to, perhaps releasing them from the image you hold of them will make a positive difference.  If you find someone who rubs you the wrong way, hold an image of them as you would like it to be; kind, cooperative, compassionate.  If you find someone who is undependable, hold them as dependable, if you see someone as closed and aloof, unapproachable, hold instead an image of someone who is open, approachable.  In this effort we are not trying to change another.  We are changing ourselves to reflect what we wish to see.  This is modeling, not leading.  It is inviting and inclusive, not closed and judgmental.  Will it work? Yes.  It can and does work.  The opposite certainly works so why would this not work? Let’s try it and see.

© 2016. Reverend Eileen DeRosia Patra

Rev. Eileen is an ordained Unity minister currently serving at Unity of Livonia in Livonia, Michigan.