Value Is Determined By The Quality Of Attention
Iron is strong and solid. It is used in defense, it is used to support large structures, it is used in weapons and it is used many household appliances. Iron is not normally associated with grace. An iron chandelier is almost an oxymoron mixing the sturdy utilitarian nature of iron with the status invoking world of chandeliers. iron chandeliers are a great analogy for the ambiguities and hidden strengths that rest in most peoples souls. A lot of folks are hesitant to connect the aspects of their life that support them as beautiful or elegant.
For many people one of the most important structures in their life is their source of income. Whether it is working at the hardware store, washing dishes, being the CEO of an oil company or teaching kindergarten, most people regard work as an inconvenient necessity. Certainly for many people that is what the job has become, a series of tasks that hold little satisfaction for the employee, but helps the business prosper. The value is in the income they derive from their time spent working. There are many people who love what they do, who derive great satisfaction from the work of their hands and minds. Good for them who love their jobs. What about the people that leave warm beds everyday with no greater hope then to reach 5:00 unscathed?
Like iron, these jobs offer strength and support to the lives of millions. The challenge is to find the elegance and beauty to the work place. Various positions have a social status in society and these positions aren’t always compensated in accordance with the social value they offer. School teachers provide important service to society but the position isn’t compensated well or given the social status that it deserves. A lot of jobs provide great value and little status, while some professional positions provide status but little real value to society. The way members of the financial service sector received bonuses demonstrate the contribution to the community is out of sync with the compensation of the industry. Even in the narrowly defined community of the economy and investors, these members were greatly compensated while doing harm to the larger communities and the narrow one they were supposed to serve. It is clear that status and value aren’t necessarily related.
Many religions and many philosophies there is a recurring message about how it is less important what one does in the world and more important how one does it. If someone does their work with their complete awareness and complete presence of mind several things begin to happen. First and foremost a certain natural integrity takes root. Most people have good hearts, and being fully aware and accountable for ones actions makes it impossible to act in ways that bring harm to others. While this may lead to conflict and career change, it can also create meaningful work. The second benefit of complete attention is often in the relationships developed through work. A person that is fully present is able to hear, see and understand others around them. This understanding is a valued resource that often leads to great friendship and career mobility.
No matter what someone does, there are benefits for personal growth within it. That is the task everyone faces in their day to day lives.