There seems to be a common believe these days that it is okay to "Do as I say, not as I do." But actions always speak louder than words. And this was the lesson the Dharma Frog had for me today.
We all know that words can be powerful. But they can be empty, too, unless they are backup with genuine meaning. I think that, at one time or another, we've all had someone tell us they loved us, or liked us, or called us their friend, but their actions revealed something completely different. Then, too, we've run across those individuals who, quite often, have very little to say but their actions tell us how much they care. They're always there for us when we need help and they provide comfort in times of sorrow. I know a lot of frogs, and a few humans, who fall into this category. They can be almost invisible but suddenly are there when you need them. They prefer to remain in the background. They do things with a pure heart; not for the glory of doing something helpful for another.
As my wise old teacher pointed out, "Promises mean nothing without proof, Irwin. That is why it is so important that we monitor our actions to make sure they match the our words. We never want to become the frog that no one believes...full of empty words and promises." And he's so right! The way that humans, and we frogs, conduct ourselves says so much more about our behavior and our character than the words we use. This holds true for every aspect of our life; from relationships and business practices, to religion and politics. The great Ralph Waldo Emerson said it perfectly, "What you do speaks so loud that I cannot hear what you say." What do people hear from you...your words or your actions?
I strive to become a frog of action, rather than one merely of words. But it isn't always easy. I always have good intentions but time, and demands, often make carrying out my intentions difficult. I am learning though, to watch what I say; to not make promises that I may not be able to keep. Better still, I want to become a frog of few words...the one who just does what is needed without feeling the need to say anything. As Dharma likes to remind me, "Actions, Irwin, show the world who you really are while your words show the world who you want to be." And I know he's right. Rarely do we remember someone for the things they said they'd do. We remember them for what they did.
"A frog's behavior is judged on what he does - not on what he thinks, feels, says, or believes." ~ The Dharma Frog. And my wise teacher should know. He is always a frog of few words but many action. He is truly "unfrogetable."
We all know that words can be powerful. But they can be empty, too, unless they are backup with genuine meaning. I think that, at one time or another, we've all had someone tell us they loved us, or liked us, or called us their friend, but their actions revealed something completely different. Then, too, we've run across those individuals who, quite often, have very little to say but their actions tell us how much they care. They're always there for us when we need help and they provide comfort in times of sorrow. I know a lot of frogs, and a few humans, who fall into this category. They can be almost invisible but suddenly are there when you need them. They prefer to remain in the background. They do things with a pure heart; not for the glory of doing something helpful for another.
As my wise old teacher pointed out, "Promises mean nothing without proof, Irwin. That is why it is so important that we monitor our actions to make sure they match the our words. We never want to become the frog that no one believes...full of empty words and promises." And he's so right! The way that humans, and we frogs, conduct ourselves says so much more about our behavior and our character than the words we use. This holds true for every aspect of our life; from relationships and business practices, to religion and politics. The great Ralph Waldo Emerson said it perfectly, "What you do speaks so loud that I cannot hear what you say." What do people hear from you...your words or your actions?
I strive to become a frog of action, rather than one merely of words. But it isn't always easy. I always have good intentions but time, and demands, often make carrying out my intentions difficult. I am learning though, to watch what I say; to not make promises that I may not be able to keep. Better still, I want to become a frog of few words...the one who just does what is needed without feeling the need to say anything. As Dharma likes to remind me, "Actions, Irwin, show the world who you really are while your words show the world who you want to be." And I know he's right. Rarely do we remember someone for the things they said they'd do. We remember them for what they did.
"A frog's behavior is judged on what he does - not on what he thinks, feels, says, or believes." ~ The Dharma Frog. And my wise teacher should know. He is always a frog of few words but many action. He is truly "unfrogetable."
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