Wearing our labels on the outside
There’s that moment when a well-meaning friend or family member comes up behind you and says, “Your tag is showing.” They tuck it back into your shirt, and you go on with your day, confident that our label is where it is supposed to be – on the inside.
We all walk around with a whole lot of labels attached to us. My list includes a daughter, partner, friend, healer, musician, conductor, quilter, blogger, to name only a few. Some of these labels I fully embrace as important parts of my identity. Others only come up in extended conversations with people I know well.
I am coming to embrace a “super-label” that is gaining importance in my life. Above all else, I am Christina Laberge – Human Being. Basic. Clean. Complete.
Our labels define us, but they also set us apart. That can be a distinguishing experience or it can be an isolating one. I can choose to be Dr. Christina Laberge, an expert in the field of Sacred Music (and you’d better listen to me since I spent thousands of hours and dollars studying this stuff). Or I can choose to be Christina Laberge, Human Being (who is really excited about this piece of music and would like to share it with you). Which version draws people in and gives them a desire to learn more about what I have to offer? Which outcome allows connection with people on a deeper level, building foundations for real relationships?
When we choose to tuck some of our labels back into our proverbial shirts, we are giving ourselves the chance to enter into conversations as seekers. It allows us to look for the opportunity to grow connections and to learn something new ourselves and others. I’m not talking about hiding who we are. I’m advocating adopting an attitude of simply allowing that information to rise to the surface of a relationship organically. When we release the need to advertise our accomplishments, we enter into conversations with more openness. We recognize the opportunity to gain a different perspective on our fields of interest.
Sometimes, I will be enjoying a conversation with someone about music or alternative health practices. Suddenly, the conversation grinds to an awkward halt when they learn of my credentials. My partner, an Episcopal priest, has told me of many occasions when conversations abruptly changed (or ended) as soon as they discovered her profession. Some of the freshest perspectives have come to me through conversation with individuals who had no idea what I do for a living.
I love to seek common ground when entering into dialogue with someone new. One of the best ways to do this is to allow the “Human Being” tag to hang out with pride. This can be challenging to our egos as we struggle to move through an accomplishment-based world. When we make the choice to hold the human value highest, we see each other as fellow-travelers. We can begin to shift away from praising “human do-ings”, and embrace the joy of Being fully Human.
Clear your Space – Recharge your Self – Direct your Life
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Latest posts by Christina Laberge (see all)
- Scent and Creating Sacred Space at Home - November 28, 2018
- Sacred Sound – Enhance Your Home - November 21, 2018
- Moving Cross-Country with Less Stress - October 4, 2018
Christine, I am really enjoying your blog, thanks for your inner thoughts. You are a good human. Jenny Soper
Date: Thu, 29 Nov 2012 20:20:37 +0000 To: jennyssoper@hotmail.com