Courtesy of the Heart

“There is a courtesy of the heart akin to love. Out if arises the purest courtesy in the outward behavior.” – Johan Wolfgang von Goethe

This principle of courtesy that extends to all those around us, from the core of our being, speaks to me of a compassionate and courteous way of life that I would wish to live! It encourages me to open my perception of what is transpiring around myself to allow for the flow of understanding beyond what I think I know, beyond imagination, to a place only my Higher Power can possibly know.

This approach helps deter me:

From interfering with someone else’s decisions
From giving advice to someone
From seeking approval from anyone
From playing games with people
From blaming myself or others
From feeling guilty or ashamed
From passing judgement
From being snobbish or superior
From criticizing or being hurtful
From allowing my fear to guide my deeds
From arguing my point of view
From people-pleasing that risks my own well-being
From showing contempt prior to investigation

This approach allows me:

To welcome people for who they are
To be inspired by new ideas and ways of doing things
To listen with a compassionate heart
To be courteous and welcoming to those around me
To learn from everything and everyone
To consider my words and my actions carefully
To feel joy instead of fear
To speak from my heart
To live the truth as I understand it to be
To appreciate what is happening even if I don’t understand it
To accept that it is all a part of Higher Power’s plan for us all.
To be willing, honest and open-minded.

I am reminded of the last words in the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, from appendix ii, Spiritual Experience, on p. 568 which states: “We find that no one need have difficulty with the spirituality of the program. Willingness, honesty and open mindedness are the essentials of recovery. But these are indispensable.”

It then quotes Herbert Spencer and leaves us on this final note: “There is a principle which is a bar against all information, which is proof against all arguments, and which cannot fail to keep a man in everlasting ignorance— that principle is contempt prior to investigation.” —Herbert Spencer

I cannot live my life perfectly, but I can always choose to attune myself to this courtesy of the heart and the will of my Higher Power in all my deeds and actions to the best of my abilities.

Inspired by “For Today” – August 20

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