There was a time — long ago times, when people acknowledged each other, they extended courtesies. They looked at one another and from the realm of their mouth they smiled, they tipped their hat (if they were wearing a hat), they held up a hand and waved, they uttered the words, “Hello, Hi, Good day.”

It was a sign of respect. It represented a courtesy for another. People knew they existed, they were considered.

Today the friendly salutation continues in pockets of the world, rural communities, small villages, remote islands. The older, wiser generations, continue to exercise the greeting with respect for its value.

In the many parts of the world, people look past one another, many have their heads down viewing a screen and they really only know of another’s existence if they crash into them. An attitude of I don’t know you so why would I acknowledge you prevails. I’m better than you, so why would I converse with you is felt. Even sadder is, “Why does it matter any ways?”

Let’s take a look at this;

A company has a problem with various departments not connecting. They have fostered the “Us against Them” environment. They decide to form a Social Committee. They’ll have a bowling night, a pot luck, a barbecue. This will fix it, this will bring everyone together. But no one shows up. Well, not completely accurate. The Social Committee shows up.

The energy that had created the division between the departments was that the management did not acknowledge the staff. They looked past them, no smile, no hello – expressing the energy of, no recognition, no appreciation.

All that was needed to connect the various levels of staff, it turns out, was the practice of a greeting. Imagine that, something that doesn’t take a committee, no budget required — just manners. Just the gesture of a welcoming smile, a “Hey there,” a “How’s it going?”.

It turned out that’s all the people wanted; needed.

As it turned out — it mattered.

When we ignore the existence of each other we create barriers, emotions escalate that result in rifts, misunderstandings.

We need each other. We need to tell people we see them, give recognition to their existence. We need to give value to their presence. We need to salute each other.

We do this here — the energy goes out and a friendlier environment takes hold somewhere else and with this there is the hope that once again we will feel safe to express a two letter word, “Hi.” That translates into, you are here and you are important.

Do not let the endangered salutation become extinct. Save the Greeting – It could save us all.

Photo by; Sharon Cooke