Iron is hard and unyielding. It is used in defense, it is used to support large structures, it is used in weapons and it is used many day to day tools. Iron is not normally associated with grace. An iron chandelier is almost contradiction of terms mixing the sturdy utilitarian nature of iron with the status invoking world of chandeliers. iron chandeliers are a perfect metaphor for the ambiguities and hidden strengths that reside in human nature. A lot of folks are hesitant to connect the aspects of their life that support them as beautiful or elegant.

For many people one of the most important supports in their life is their source of income. Whether it is working at the hardware store, washing dishes, running an investment firm or teaching kindergarten, most people regard work as an inconvenient necessity. No doubt in many ways that is what the job has become, a series of tasks that hold little satisfaction for the employee, but helps the business prosper. The value is in the income they derive from their hours working away. There are many people who love what they do, who derive great satisfaction from the work of their hands and minds. Good for those people who love their jobs. What about the people that leave warm beds everyday with no greater hope then to reach 5:00 unscathed?

Like iron, these jobs offer protection and service to the lives of millions. The challenge is to bring meaning and beauty in many of these jobs. Society often attaches status to various positions in society and these positions aren’t always compensated in accordance with the social value they offer. School teachers provide great value but the position isn’t compensated well or given the social respect it should have. A lot of jobs provide great value and little status, while some professional positions provide status but are detrimental to the general public. The bonuses of the financial service sector demonstrate the contribution to the community is out of sync with the compensation of the industry. Even in the narrowly defined community of the business and profits, these members were greatly compensated while undermining the very community they were supposed to serve. It is clear that status and value aren’t necessarily related.

Many religious and philosophical teachings there is a recurring message about how it is not always what we do, but how we do it that is important. If someone does their work with their complete awareness and complete presence of mind several things begin to happen. First and foremost a certain natural integrity takes root. Most people have good hearts, and being fully aware and accountable for ones actions makes it impossible to act in ways that bring harm to others. This awareness can lead to conflict and career change, it can also create meaningful work. Another advantage of complete attention is often in the relationships developed through work. A person that is truly present is able to better understand and relate to those around them. This understanding is a rare attribute that often improves the quality of life through better friends and career advancements.

No matter what someone does, there is beauty to be found within it. That is the task everyone faces in their everyday world.

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