“As I view others the way God sees them, with all their frailties and weaknesses as well as their strengths, I can learn to treat them tenderly, view them from God’s perspective: lovingly, tenderly and patiently with love and respect.”
Laura Lane from ‘I Touch the Heavens’
This morning I was reading my mentor Jennifer Hough’s newsletter post about words that moved her like Namaste, Aloha, Pura Vida and Ubuntu. All beautiful powerful words. It reminded me of the conversations, instruction and mentoring I have received from author Kevin Hall.
In his book Aspire! Discovering Your Purpose Through the Power of Words, Kevin shares words like Sapere Vedere – knowing how to see and Ollin – to move and act with all your heart but the word he teaches the most about is Genshai – an Indian word meaning never treat another person in a manner that would make them feel small.
Kevin learned about Genshai from an extraordinary man named Pravin Cherkoori whom he happened to meet in a fabric shop in Vienna, Austria. Pravin explained to Kevin how his mother taught him about Genshai.
He shared, “As children, we were taught to never look at, touch, or address another person in a way that would make them feel small. If I were to walk by a beggar in the street and casually toss him a coin, I would not be practicing Genshai. But if I knelt down on my hands and knees and looked him in the eye when I placed that coin in his hand, that coin became love. Then and only then, after I had exhibited pure, unconditional brotherly love, would I become a true practitioner of Genshai.”
Reading this story and hearing Kevin share it many times at his Genshai Life Mastery retreats has had a profound effect on my life.
Thinking about it now, at first I wanted to proclaim I always treat people that way but on deeper reflection I realize that there have been a number of times I have fallen short.
In my frustration about situations, when things didn’t go as planned or how I had envisioned, when I have spoken ill of others, pointed out their flaws to others as I complained, I realize now that that is not practicing Genshai.
I now have a few people I need to make amends to.
There is also a second part to Genshai – never treat another person in a manner that would make them feel small including yourself!
So during this time of reflection I am also being gentle on myself, learning from my mistakes, yes, but also forgiving myself and committing to do better for others’ sakes, but also my own.
In what ways can you embrace becoming a practitioner of Genshai. In what instances can you treat others and yourself in a more unconditional loving way?
“As I pray each morning, I set my intention for the day, to receive and share God’s love, to be filled with love and life and light, to be healed, to become a beacon of light and hope.”
Laura Lane from ‘I Touch the Heavens’