You don’t live in a void. For better or worse, your habits impact the lives of others. Take a moment to consider the social consequences of your actions. Do your habits help others align themselves with truth, love, and power, or does your behavior lead people astray? Your actions have a conditioning effect on other people, subtly influencing them to adopt similar behaviors. This is especially true of children, who frequently look to adults for guidance.
Oneness teaches us that we’re all role models. As we interact with others, we teach them how to behave, whether we realize it or not. Our interconnectedness means that individual habits can’t be considered in isolation. One person’s bad habits can create serious consequences for others, and sometimes those consequences are severe, as in the case of a drunk-driving accident. Consequently, we must not only be responsible to ourselves, but also to the community in which we live.
Finally, use habits to reinforce oneness itself. Instead of living in an isolated cocoon, make a habit of contributing to others. Find something you can do on a regular basis to give value to total strangers, not just your family and friends. Consider doing volunteer work, or find a way to contribute through your career.
Cultivate at least one habit to deepen your experience of oneness. Make a habit of going for long walks in nature. Enjoy prolonged physical contact with someone close to you. Offer hugs instead of handshakes. Smile at strangers you pass on the street. If you make habits of these simple actions, you’ll rarely feel disconnected and alone.
* Source: Personal Development for Smart People by Steve Pavlina