Two Fears About Job Expectations
by Nancy R. Smith Dr. Anthony T. Padovano describes us Americans as being in "bondage to cultural obsessions, hidden persuaders and frenetic compulsions." What could fit that description better than the "cultural obsessions" we have about work, the "hidden persuaders" in advertising, and our "frenetic compulsions" to do everything possible to win the approval of others, especially at work? How often do you worry that you won’t measure up to some expectation – even when you aren’t sure whose expectation that is! Why do we behave this way? In A Retreat With Thomas Merton: Becoming Who We Are, Dr. Anthony T. Padovano writes: People sense an imperative to do certain things in a culture because the assumptions or myths, the symbols or social forces move them powerfully in a certain direction. |
A fear of imperfection underlies our attempts to measure up to some ill-defined standard and results in excessive activity on our part. We experience this in our pressured, frantic performance as we “attack” whatever task is before us. This fear is based on the illusion that this time we can do it perfectly! But the author comments that "there is something belligerent about frenetic action." It seems to be a way of trying to force meaning into our lives. The fear of scarcity, which is based on greed and vanity, manifests itself in excessive consumerism. We buy things we don’t need or even enjoy. We do this because we seek security and superiority in what we can purchase. Padovano says: A desperate need to possess is a form of violence. Excessive spending is a sign that one seeks the meaning of life in things. |
Countering Cultural Obsessions Grappling with these issues reminds us that we are imperfect – and that God loves us unconditionally anyway! One way to counter the violence of these cultural assumptions and the fear that underlies them is to learn and practice deep, centering meditation or contemplation, first at home. Eventually you will be able to practice it in brief moments at work also, thus restoring your peace and perspective. Contemplation is a state of being that is inexpressible -- beyond words. Thus, every description or definition is expressed in poetry or metaphor: Here are four definitions or comments about contemplation: | Looking deeply at life as it is in the very here and now -- Thich Nhat HanhThe world becoming luminous from within as one plunges breathlessly into human activity -- Pierre Teilhard de ChardinSeeing through exterior things, and seeing God in them -- Thomas MertonSeeing God in everything and everything in God with completely extraordinary clearness and delicacy -- Marie of the Incarnation |
What experience have you had with meditation or contemplation at home and/or at work? Nancy Smith is a writer, educator, and ordained deacon whose ministry is to link faith and work, spirituality and justice, passion and ethics. From her own commitment to the Christian faith, she affirms the common spiritual experiences of people of all faiths and encourages inter-religious dialogue. Nancy offers Spiritual Life Retreats as well as workshops on Workplace Spirituality and Career Decisions. All are appropriate for both clergy and laity. Visit her web ministry at www.WorkplaceSpirituality.info | 
