The Importance of Helping Each Other

Last night I had the realization that I truly get to help more people and I encourage you to do the same. We really need each other. I don’t say this with that undertone of spiritualism that can be mistaken when this statement is said. I mean we really get to help each other and need each other to survive. I know life cannot be easy, at times. I want to know if being nice to each other can help us? I adore children because a lot of them are very happy exploring the world and learning all about this gift we received. Adults don’t smile as much as I would like to see. Society says you’re born, you go to school, you graduate, you go to college or not, you work from 18 to 60, you retire, and “this is the life.” In between all of this fluff, we can do all of this (or not and create a truly fulfilling life), and treat each other as humans.

Recently I’ve felt the emotions of my circumstances. I want to find a better way to communicate what I need to say with out blaming, shaming, or projecting. I am looking at every thing I think, see, and feel as neutral events. I view myself responding. What makes me mad, sad, angry, etc. I can look at my circumstance and think about how shitty it feels or I can feel my emotions fully, let it move through me, and not react to what I am feeling. We all feel, we all experience our emotions through every experience we step into. What about looking out for each other, especially when you don’t know someone.

I drove home from my friends house and the route I normally take was closed due to construction. At first I wanted to get annoyed, instead I thought it is what it is. Get off at the next exit, drive a little west, and I’ll be back on route. At the corner of the intersection I saw a man, lying on his back, not moving. He was clearly homeless and the debris around him created his bed. I felt for him, he did not look well, and I couldn’t move my car until I did something. I chose to back up and see if he was breathing. I stared at his hand on his chest, watching for his hand to rise and fall with the rhythm of his breath, I did not see it happen. I thought what to do, I thought about I am here on the road and there were other cars around. If it is to be it up to me I did not want to doubt myself for not calling the police if that could help him and make sure he was okay, given his circumstances. I dialed 911 talked with the dispatchers on the phone. Gave my descriptions and made it clear that I wanted someone to check on him because he is a human and deserves it.

The thought we need to help each other filled my head followed by so many thoughts, my mind stuttered. In that moment I felt how fortunate I am to live the life I live. I could complain about all that is wrong right now but, when I saw that man on the ground, I saw that I can be powerful whenever I need to be. The car I drive, the phone I used, the house I live in, it could be so different for me and my life is this way because of my choices. I’m not sure about that mans choices, and I know he needed help. No matter what, he needed help.

Small acts of kindness ripple into the energy around us. Treating each other with respect and seeing each other as humans can stop war, create equality, and help all of us. Saying hello to a person walking past you, smiling, and making eye contact shows you care about the person that is creating and living just as you are. Knowing our powers can end the fights we have fought with the people controlling us through the screen you are reading from. If you feel you can make a difference in what you are experiencing, go for it, say it, do it, be it. You are in control of what is around you. Learn more about where you live, what communities are around you supporting sustainability, give a homeless person food or water in Austin. It is so hot right now as we approach summer, and they still need to eat and hydrate too. Check in and check up.

Always do it from your heart.