http//www.youtube.com/user/paulgellis?feature=mhee#p/a/u/0sqDmQbj7pFE

 

The Social Contract

So, in the vid above you saw the intent for this posting.

Here’s my take on what the social contract means.

Every time we set foot out of our homes wherever they are, we enter the social world, unless of course you live in total isolation somewhere.  Being amongst or fellow travelers means a certain amount of alteration in our behavior. Like speaking quietly in a library or stepping to one side of the sidewalk to allow someone with packages to pass by.

Each one of those tiny, seemingly inconsequential actions is in fact very important. By choosing to do these things, we without much effort at all, acknowledge that the action was taken because a person was there; not just and object to be avoided, but a person.  All these tiny ticks on the scorecard of our day add up.  Every time we say hello to a stranger we’re adding to the score both for ourselves, and for others. But perhaps most importantly, every one of these small actions makes us feel infinitesimally better, and that mounts up and spreads around quickly.

Engagement with the rest of the world is of course a choice, and one we make every minute of every day.  Hell, there are times when I want nothing more than solitude, we all do.  That said, we miss a lot when we reflexively avoid involving ourselves in the dance of life.

Taking the time to be present is a chance to make new friends, establish connections that may lead to wonderful new things emotionally, professionally, personally and spiritually.

And all of this stuff can help us each move through our lives to greater effect and with more ease and pleasure on all sides.

So, tell me what you think.  How does the social contract involve you?  How do you feel about it? How do you manifest it?  And what benefits are there for you and others that haven’t been said?