DISCIPLINE MONTH: DAY 6: “Class is an aura of confidence that is being sure without being cocky. Class has nothing to do with money. Class never runs scared. It is self-discipline and self-knowledge. It’s the sure-footedness that comes with having proved you can meet life. ”― Ann Landers
I smile when I see a quote by Ann Landers or her sister, Dear Abby. How funny that in the 1960s, they were the advisors of thousands, if not millions of people, mostly women. But people really sent them letters about life and their difficulties and challenges. Then, as far as I know, they listened and heeded the advice given. So funny.
Anyway, I love this quote, because it brings to mind the people I immediately would define as “Classic” or “Classy.” Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, Cary Grant, Ghandi, Jackie Kennedy, Mother Teresa, MLK Jr., Thich Nhat Hanh, Dalai Lama, and a few others.
They faced fame and notoriety with dignity and poise. They seldom made emotional or drama-fueled scenes in public, but carried their grief and joy with the same dignity and poise that exuded confidence and strength in their convictions and the paths they walked. Some were rich and some were known for their vows of poverty and service. What a beautiful spectrum they represent!
What a huge shift from what we see in some of our leaders today, who just embarrass me with their crazy needs for constant attention and drama. No respect for themselves or the ideas these claim to represent.
If I were to have this kind of discipline in my life, it would have some truly great ideals to live up to. I hope we all learn how to direct our gaze away from the screaming and loudness to the quiet grace and poise we have been introduced to in other times. There will always be the screamers and the ranters, and always will be. Public service should not be like watching WWF wrestlers threatening each other and pounding their chests, but sadly it looks that way today. While I can find positive spins to put on how this is serving some purpose, it is not any kind of class as I would define it.
We can discipline ourselves to manifest much less Ego in the world around us, not taking ourselves or our immediate circumstances too seriously, walking away from drama and the need to fall victim to the stories we make up in our heads, introducing our crazy to the world around us. Being quiet and peaceful in the midst of joy and grief. This is what I came here to get. It is what I want to walk with each day. I love the idea of this kind of discipline. May it be my practice today.
Dolphin Hug 