This is a copy of my fourth post on the Communitas Collective blog.
On Off The Map’s home page, Jim Henderson writes
Otherlyness is the spiritual practice of noticing and serving others in ordinary ways. We believe Christians ought to be known for a way of living that is generous and intentionally otherly at its core.
When I’m around other people my attitude falls into one of three categories
- I want something from you: meet my needs
- I don’t want anything but I can’t give either: leave me alone
- I’m available to give you something: how can I be otherly?
Attitude 2 is mostly when I’m in a hurry or my Crohn’s symptoms are bothering me.
The results of 1 and 3 still catch me off guard. 1 seems like a good way to increase my personal happiness. Yet it generally disappoints. It focuses me on my (perceived) needs which decreases my happiness. And it only works when the other person is having a no 3 day. Which is mostly outside my control.
3 seems like it will not meet any of my needs. How could it increase my happiness? Yet it generally does, because almost everyone responds well to ordinary attempts at otherlyness: a smile, eye contact, asking a question and really listening to the answer.
If they respond positively I feel like I accomplished one small yet worthwhile thing today. Which makes me a little happier, whatever else is going on in my life.
Off The Map’s focus on otherlyness is what drew me to it and why I’m a volunteer. Their upcoming Mirrors and Maps Conference will be fun, innovative and promote otherlyness, like everything else they do. Unfortunately I can’t attend this year because of a conflict. I’ll be relying on some of you to report back and tell me how it goes!