I have been teaching an Emotional Intelligence class for the last couple of weeks and the discussion of self awareness and self control comes up repeatedly throughout the class.
As we watch the events unfold on the news regarding “Occupy Wall Street”, it concerns me deeply that some of the people that are participating in these protests are sending the wrong message to the world. They seem to have started out with a common purpose, scattered as it might have been. But now it appears to have been highjacked by people that are intent on causing disruption and mayhem. Is it possible that it is the same people who started the protests in the first place. Who is really behind OWS anyway?
The idea that we may at some time be able to change the way we treat one another by focusing on our own levels of compassion and self awareness is still a powerful concept. But to disrupt innocent peoples lives and create disruption is so far away from what is possible and smacks of the same greed and selfishness that got us into this economic mess in the first place.
Emotional Intelligence is something that can be taught and passed on to others. Unfortunately, so is anarchy and intimidation. Do not go down the path of confusion and hatred. There is a better way. But it takes patience and compassion. We are all in this together.