Scottsdale Acupuncture

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Be The Living Example – Part 1

Posted Wednesday, November 12th, 2014 by

live, living example, scottsdale, acupuncture

Throughout life we encounter situations where we are asked for advice, suggestions, and critiques. Being a source of knowledge and wisdom can be of tremendous benefit to yourself and the people around you. Yet, if the life you lead is in stark contrast to your own words and beliefs, then a state of hypocrisy is created, leading to incongruity and doubt—amongst others and within yourself. Being the living example is an extremely important trait/characteristic—one that needs to be developed and prioritized. When your beliefs, words and actions are in alignment, clarity and truth become a part of your reality. We find this subject to be integral for anyone interested in personal development, people working through issues/conflicts, and those wanting to live a more balanced and peaceful existence.

What does it mean to be the living example?

Before we can go into why you should be the living example and how this is accomplished, it’s important to discuss what it means. Being the living example means that your words, actions and behaviors are all in alignment. When you speak, the words you use and the advice you offer are a direct representation of how you live your life. This eliminates hypocrisy—saying one thing and then doing another.

More importantly, the way you live your life should be with integrity, honor and substance. When you act, you should act in a moral way and always strive to do the right thing. When this is accomplished, the people around you will take note. Their observations of you are more powerful than any advice you might offer. This is important because people tend to emulate the behavior of others. Children do this all the time; it’s an integral part of their social development.

Why should I be the living example?

Having a life filled with integrity is one of the best reasons to be the living example. Integrity is something most people believe to be a worthy trait—and they strive to achieve and maintain it. Merriam-Webster defines integrity as “the quality of being honest and fair. The state of being complete or whole.” [Link] By being the living example, you will embody the very definition of integrity, as you will be living an honest, balanced and peaceful existence.

One of the best reasons to be the living example is to be a better and more effective parent, teacher, friend, mentor and/or person. The people in our lives who know us, who trust us and love us, are best served not by directions, suggestions or criticisms. If you can live your truth and live in congruence with your words and actions, then those people will want to learn more about you. They will observe you; they will become curious and begin to start looking at their own actions, words and behaviors in comparison to yours. Teaching by example is the most authentic and efficient way possible.

In part 2 of this series we will provide steps that you can take towards being the living example. We hope these blog posts will provide you with the necessary information and motivation to make some positive changes in your life.