Standard
“A level of quality or attainment; Something used as a measure, norm, or model in comparative evaluations; Principles of conduct informed by notions of honor and decency.” ~The Oxford Dictionary
There is much talk lately about ethics and doing the right thing, particularly as we watch the daily drama of our national political process. I refer back to my earlier post on The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz:
The fourth agreement is to “Always Do Your Best.” Making this agreement a routine, a habit assures the implementation and success of the other three.
We don’t try, we do. Often we hold ourselves to unrealistic standards. Believing, for example, that we can watch TV all day yet still find the time and energy to meet the day’s demands. Conversely, we may believe that always doing your best means that always performing prodigiously is a personal standard. Both of these beliefs are inherently flawed.
One cannot twitter away the day and expect to not be rushed, frustrated and unhappy with chores, commitments and goals left undone or only partially completed. Likewise, always doing our best does not mean performing at the same level regardless of what is going on in our life at the moment. For example, you cannot be at the same energetic level of action when your are ill versus when you are in top physical condition.
What is imperative is doing your best in the moment, regardless of whatever circumstances the moment brings. There is no more. There is only the best effort in the moment for the conditions of that moment.
After the Oklahoma City bombing, the local citizens tried to set a higher standard. “Something called ‘the Oklahoma Standard’ became known throughout the world. It means resilience in the face of adversity. It means a strength and compassion that will not be defeated.” ~Brad Henry
“People went out of their way to share everything they had to make it comfortable for the rescue workers, the firefighters, anyone who was there to help. This became known as the Oklahoma Standard.“ ~Frank Keating, Former Governor of Oklahoma
Not limited to Oklahoma, we see this standard of behavior all around us with every new tragedy and natural disaster. Whole communities rally to help their neighbors, individuals give well beyond their presumed limits; kindness and compassion grow and forge a greater strength. Perhaps we are beginning to feel the oneness at the core of humanity, and act accordingly.
“We are all different. There is no such thing as a standard or run-of-the-mill human being, but we share the same human spirit.” ~Stephen Hawking
