I heard the phrase once “NO is a very spiritual word.”  Telling people “no,” “no thank you,” “don’t want to,” “you can’t do that” is setting spiritual boundaries, clarifying borders of acceptable behavior.  It takes clear courage to have those kinds of conversations with people I care about.

Like having those one-to-one meetings with staff members and giving “hard feedback”.  What a talent to clarify team goals, point out how their behavior doesn’t work, listen and listen, and then carve out the path that they need to follow for better performance.  Plus then I am like a traffic cop, wondering when to give warnings vs. fines for them wandering off the path.

And is the wandering intentional, because lack of attention, or inability?  Does this person need training or a kick in the pants.  And the resistant ones who insist they are listening and their cold shoulder freezes up the room.

Today I want to stay on the Way of kindness and gently remind them of the path they choose.  An observer who clarifies.  And in the background hear the Dear One reminding me the same.