Service and the nature of Service

Service is often something you hear discussed in an academic or home setting; how can I best serve _____________ (fill in the blank). This blank can be a specific person or group of people, a specific animal, pet or organization or something more general like the environment, my community, my country. 

What I have learned with regards to service, especially concerning service to other people, is that it is all about relationships. Service is the most effective when a person can evaluate and recognize where someone else is and meet them there on the same level. It takes keen social skills and experience to effectively assess and recognize clues that people will give about where they are, what may be troubling them or what is going on in their lives. The way that people look and act, the things that they say directly or their tone and word choice, all give an observer clues to where their minds are focused. When a person can pick up on these clues and rapidly interpret that raw data in such a way that they can use it to determine how to best approach them and meet them, I believe that they have mastered the art of perceptive learning. Observation, quick assessment, calculated and sincere responses allow for the formation of personal connections and help to build valuable mutual learning relationships. 

This acute awareness, the observation and assessment, are things that my brief time spent studying Anthropology as a minor in college, has taught me are essential parts of the discipline. Participant observation is the most effective means of methodology for so many of the different disciplines within Anthropology, and its success depends on building a strong foundation and rapport relationships with people from different cultural backgrounds. Building relationships is dependent on being able to meet people where they are on their level, and is positively impacted by our ability to bring ourselves there and relate to them sincerely. Meeting them where they are, not trying to bring them to where you are, communicates respect and lays the foundation for strong sharing relationships. These mutual learning relationships are essential to the effectiveness of nearly any project, especially those that cross cultural boundaries by nature. To improve anyone’s standard of living, environmental or health issues, the ability to share in learning and teaching with people from different backgrounds is vital for the acceptance and sharing of ideas. These relationships allow for service to take place, for you to serve someone else and for them to serve you.

The world would be such a nicer place to live in if we all approached life from a position of empathy, love and acceptance. I hope that you will commit yourself to learning how to serve the people in your life better, how to love them and how to accept someone who wants to serve you.  Be kind to one another, and it will come back to you tenfold. 

Good Luck! I know I am no expert, but I am trying and that is the most important thing. Love!