How often have you heard, and immediately tuned out, the pre-flight safety announcement recited by flight attendants on every domestic and international airline.
The presentations vary. Some are dry and monotone, others are rhythmic and poetic, and, if you are lucky, some are repeated in multiple languages. The wisdom of these messages are often lost in conversation with perfect strangers, fallen on the deaf ears of a drifting mind or distracted by flipping through those catalogues of curious gifts that no one buys. Anything to distract us from listening.
Besides the obvious value of potentially life saving instruction, the pre-flight safety scripts, in my less-than-learned opinion, has provided the most meaningful personal development guidance since the timeless wisdom found in fortune cookies.
I am not talking about stowing away your luggage under the seat in front of you or putting your tray in an upright position or even turning off all electronic devices. Although, knowing where to can find a floatation device in case of a water landing could prove important someday.
However, there is one more instruction that often escapes us but is extremely powerful and meaningful.
"Should we experience a sudden loss of cabin pressure, masks will drop from the ceiling above you. Secure your own mask first before assisting others ......"
Wow.... how profound is that. Think about it....."Secure your own mask first before assisting others". It makes perfect sense. In such an event, you could loose consciousness trying to save your traveling companion first. Then what good are you? The normal reflex is to help, especially to save a child. But that reflex could jeopardize you both. It goes against all those things we are taught to care for others and our natural tendencies for self-sacrifice.
The same holds true when we are not flying..... in our work and personal lives. We often try to help when we are not capable, but feebly try out of reflex to "help".
How many times have we reached out to "help" someone in need only to find we had little to offer other then a hollow "don't worry, things will work out". Now that is really helping.... Isn't it?
Don't get me wrong. There is a place for a soft shoulder and a wiling ear. There is a value to that for sure. Providing a safe place for someone is often all that is wanted. But I propose there is so much more to offer.
Whether it is a friend, co-worker or family member, the value we can provide is from our own inner strength, emotional stability, knowledge and abilities. We have to be able to contribute something tangible and worthwhile ...... Our mask has to be on first.
One more reason to round the "State of Being" cycle and "be" someone or something. If you are a parent..."be" the one who advises, nurtures and loves your child! If you are a friend, "be" there in times of trouble and celebration. If you are a leader, "be" the one who motivates, engages and promotes.
We need to have our act together, be grounded and have a solid foundation before we can help others. Not that we need to be enlighten by years of meditation in Nepal. I simply mean that we should be secure, comfortable and honest with ourselves because you never know when there will be a loss of cabin pressure.
"Be" the one who grabs the oxygen mask first by being who you are!
