R-E-S-P-E-C-T
The moment the horns blow, we recognize the song instantly. By the time Aretha hits the chorus, we are on our feet, eyes closed, hips swaying and we are belting it out along with her R-E-S-P-E-C-T!
Listen to Aretha Franklin belt it out!
The passion Aretha brings to the song moves something in each of us. In one way or another, we each have wanted to stand up and claim the respect we deserve.
We think of respect in terms of reverence, honor, admiration, even deference. However, the word respect comes from the Latin, respicere – to look at, in essence, Respect is the ability to see a person as he is, to be aware of his individuality.
With this understanding, respect takes on a whole new spin — in the words of Erich Fromm, respect is “the concern that the other person should grow and unfold as he is.”
What powerful a shift – seeing ourselves (and each other) as we are, honoring our individuality and that which already resides within – rather than seeking to conform with an image of success, power, professionalism, happiness, etc.
Fromm’s explanation of respect reminds me of the Indian greeting – Namasté. While there are many definitions, the greeting is, in essence, a recognition of (seeing) the divine within those you encounter.
This week as you consider your strengths, your fears and the life you are trying to create – it is a great time to offer your respect to those around you, to actually see each person you encounter. A good place to start is with a little Self-Respect!
This week, I leave you with a double dose of R-E-S-P-E-C-T with the original Otis Redding version below and the fabulous Aretha Franklin version above!
Original Otis Redding Version
