<h2>Or, "What was your name again?"</h2>
A few years ago I realized how odd it is, at my doctors’ offices, to share highly intimate, personal medical information with people whose names I don’t even know.  I now notice that some medical staff make a point to introduce themselves to me.  If they don't, I introduce myself (even when I <em>know</em> they know my name…) and ask for their names.  Try this and watch the response.  It wakes them up a little.
<h2>The shortage of awareness and appreciation is “going viral.”</h2>
Because of our devices, we are used to living in a virtual world, to the point to where interactions with others in the real world can come across as just another transaction… a post, an update.

At a networking event, you’re just another business card.  With the customer service rep on the phone, you’re just one of the dozens of faceless voices they hear that day who have a complaint.  On LinkedIn, there’s that invitation you received just so someone can increase his or her connection count.  At the doctor’s office, you’re just another body to check in.
<h2>Take a stand in your part of the world.</h2>
Recently I ran across this passage in the book, Emotional Freedom, by Dr. Judith Orloff.  I’m paraphrasing.
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">Pay attention to the way you deal with someone cutting you off in traffic, or an obnoxious neighbor.  This is not a trivial microcosm of daily aggravation, but a practice lab for more serious issues.</p>
My friends shake their heads at me when I won’t get off this subject —when I hold the customer service agent accountable for hearing me and giving me real help —when I ask the person I don’t know, who just sent me an invite on LinkedIn, if we know each other.
<h2>"Do the great while it is still small." Lao-tzu.</h2>
Yes, I want to be seen, but I want you to know I see you too.  This is where the practice lab Judith Orloff mentions happens.
<p style="padding-left: 30px; text-align: left;"> <i>“Watch your thoughts, they become words; watch your words, they become actions; watch your actions, they become habits; watch your habits, they become character; watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.”</i></p>
You’ve probably heard some version of this.  The attribution <a href="http://quoteinvestigator.com/2013/01/10/watch-your-thoughts/">is still up for debate</a>, but that doesn’t lessen the impact.

<em>How do you use your daily practice lab to shape your destiny and our world?</em>

<span style="color: #888888;">Image: z_i_b_i at BigStockPhoto</span>