Love in Life and Work + Buddhist Monk Words

Beyond finding a job that you love, how can you bring love in the broadest sense to your current workplace or life? Practical advice comes from a Corinthians reading in the Bible where we are reminded that love is patient and kind, trusts and hopes; it is not boastful, easily angered or a record-keeper of wrongs. I was inspired this Valentine’s Day to share a bit about love after hearing the address at the end of the Buddhist “Walk for Peace” which concluded this week after a 109-day, 2300-mile journey that began in Texas.

The leader, Bhikkhu Pannakara, invited us make a difference with five seconds of mindfulness. He then shared insights for each of five attributes: Kindness, Compassion, Love, Harmony, and Hope. If you would like to hear this five-minute section of the address, CLICK HERE, and go to the 7 minute and 30 second point.

Here are the Buddhist words shared on Love:

Choose Love.

Love means children grow up safe.

Love means elders live with dignity.

Love means we do not turn away when someone is in pain.

Start with truly loving yourself. Start with that.

Love the person in front of you whether you know them or not.

That is how love creates a more loving world.

As a career counselor, I will share insights inspired by the Corinthians reading above. Love at work can mean….

…being patient with colleagues who make mistakes or are having a bad day

…speaking with kindness to all with whom you interact

…trusting those you supervise and not micromanaging

…having a positive attitude of hope rather than negativity

…not boasting of accomplishments and remembering to give others credit for ideas

…keeping anger in check and communicating respectfully about concerns

…addressing then letting go of past issues rather than keeping records in your mind

The Buddhist monk concluded that by our individual acts of love, kindness, compassion, harmony and hope, we can create peace and change for one person, one family, one community, one country and the world. And I will add: one workplace.