Health & Fitness
The Handshake
To see leaders from 90 countries attending this memorial might have revealed to the world that politics is about, or needs to be, reaching a place of empathy, compassion, and conscience to be of true service to its people. Mandala's life proved that.
While I was on my way to Miami to visit my father who recently finished chemo treatment, I watched the emotional memorial service for the late Nelson Mandela. I was struck by the moment when President Barack Obama shook hands with Cuban President Raul Castro.
It led me to research the power of handshakes, “why do we extend a hand to another?” I learned what we subtly communicate through handshakes. For example, a firm handshake means that one can be trusted while a 'dead fish' handshake implies that one is untrustworthy. An overcompensating handshake, on the other hand, implies that one is covering up something. The other kind of handshake is the double handshake which implies more trust and may also mean that one is sympathetic or caring.
There have been many historical important handshakes. Nelson Mandela, donned in a Springboks rugby shirt, shaking hands with team captain Francois Pienaar, Richard Nixon and Mao Zedong. Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and Yasser Arafat. Now, President Obama and Rahul Castro.
When I woke the next day to hear the reactions from some key republicans, and many Cuban Americans who were outraged at this gesture, it made me wonder if we truly wish for reconciliation and peace in our world. The United States and Cuba have not had much diplomatic relations since Fidel Castro led a 1959 revolution and aligned his country with the Soviet Union.
So I ask those who reacted, and for all of us, to reflect on this moment in history from a heart-level conscience based on the lessons taught by the life of Nelson Mandela. The lesson is one of forgiveness. This event symbolized so much more than the passing of a pivotal leader in history. To see leaders from 90 countries attending this memorial might have revealed to the world that politics is about, or needs to be, reaching a place of empathy, compassion, and conscience to be of true service to its people. Mandala's life proved that.
I certainly wish for this to be so. It was a historic moment to witness so many heads of states gathered with average people in one space. This was Nelson Mandela, he was never too big nor too small to be with you. He was compassion, fairness, love, and peace. President Obama shaking the hands of Rahul Castro was a sign that Nelson Mandela was very much a part of this scene, revealing to the world that it’s time we forgive each other and move on to making this world a place for all to live in peace and harmony.
Listen in as the America Meditating Radio Program honors Nelson Mandela. http://www.blogtalkradio.com/americameditating/2013/12/06/nelson-mandela-we-will-miss
Sister Jenna,
Director, Meditation Museum
