The art of cooperation requires much of us, but when it is needed, it is as if we are being invited to take part in a huge game that holds many secrets. In this game, we can contribute a great deal, but we are also given many gifts, gifts that give us insights into what we are capable of. When we are in a team of any sort, a family gathering, an office meeting, a project initiative, each one needs to be clear about where they are needed, and what they bring to the table. We will need the ability to tolerate, adapt, and face a diversity of challenges.
However, when we wish to inspire cooperation, then we need even more clarity and understanding. We need a true heart and sincerity in intentions, because if we are attached to our own ideas, our own personality, our role or our talents and skills, there will be an attitude that others will feel, and this will inhibit their level of contribution. If there is spoken or unspoken criticism, if there is selfishness, or if I am using people to fulfil my needs, they will not feel encouraged enough to play their own part, with full energy and creativity.
We need to hold a vision of the value of each one, with lightness and purity of heart, because this plants a seed of trust and it shines through. Everyone in the endeavour will have needs of their own and we need to be able to discern the real, true need of each one.
We also need to place great trust in the self, because the project may be something very new and even while inspiring others to cooperate, we may encounter jealousy or competition; there may be others present who do not wish us to grow and excel. We then require patience, understanding, honesty, and humility. We can provide opportunities for others in the team, to shine and grow and give them space to create.
Any animosity we may feel from others may also be a red light of warning that we may be obstructing in some way. Perhaps we have hidden jealousy or have the habit of competing, we may somehow feel unsafe if someone else grows. Someone may take an idea that I had put forward and run with it and make it even better, so that my own seed of creativity gets lost and forgotten. If so, can I be light about that, and send good wishes for the whole project?
We need enormous generosity of heart. We must clear any negative feelings and allow a vibration that generates trust in others, and in the self. In this way we can draw on the best of others and seize all the opportunities that emerge, and live up to our highest possibilities. To cultivate this power of the mind, we can learn how to bring our attention inwards and upwards in meditation and take help from the divine source, who holds the highest vision of the real me. Then I can recognise who I am, and understand my true worth. It is then that we begin to see what the real reason is for being here, and what we are offering to the world. When we are contributing to our higher purpose, our life becomes full of meaning. I may be adding to the whole in a small way; I may be the one who brings peace and coolness to a situation, or I may be very loving and encouraging, or I may simply make people feel safe. We can all cooperate in one way or another, but to be one who inspires cooperation is a great gift, born of deep self-knowledge and compassion. Cooperation is not really about doing at all; it is all about being.
Moira Lowe is Director of Brahma Kumaris Argentina.