It is so easy to get wrapped up in our own little lives to
not take the time to step back and open our minds and hearts to all of those
people suffering around us. Work, family, and training can seem all-consuming. It
usually takes a loss close to home to jar us from our complacency and open our
eyes, albeit usually just momentarily. No one knows what another person is
going through and it is on each of us to approach individuals without judgment
or preconditions. Even smiling, apparently happy faces like Amber may hide
insecurities and sadness. Every day someone is suffering a loss whether it be
that of a loved one, financial loss or quality of life. Can we solve everyone’s
woes? Of course not. But can we approach our days as opportunities to make
little changes in others’ lives in the hopes that it helps get them through
whatever they’re going through? Of course.
For several years now, I have been going back and forth with
whether apply for Peace Corps. I have stayed in my same job contemplating
the pros and cons of this 24+ month commitment. All the while, I could have
been helping close to home and yet was just sitting on my butt instead. There
is no geographical boundary on sorrow, nor do I have to travel to some far-flung locale to help and I know there is likely more than enough suffering in
New Hampshire to go around. Buddhist’s have a theory on suffering called
samsara. It’s the idea that suffering doesn’t come from pain or loss itself but from
our ill-fated attempts to avoid pain and loss. Once able to accept and be at
peace with change we won’t suffer anymore because we realize that nothing is permanent and we will stop striving to hold on to things that will eventually fall apart. It is nice, though, to have someone there to help cushion that fall.
“Everything in the
world is made of parts, and emotion is no different. The most painful, powerful
aspect of negative emotions is that they seem complete and whole. A thought
builds into a crescendo called emotion, which we then embody. The tight ball of
hatred, desire, or jealousy feels so solid that we actually feel it in our body
as a lump in our throat, a rising wave of heat, an aching heart. When we’re
caught up in negativity, it’s hard to imagine penetrating it, cracking its
shell… We [don’t need to] invest so much energy in this feeling that we’ve
created with our own mind. The bottom line is that everything comes together
and everything falls apart.” – Sakyong Mipham
Knowing that things will fall apart for everyone, I’ve
decided to soften the blow locally rather than travel abroad to help out. What
I’m planning on doing is offering up my services: whether it be to help someone move, edit their
resume to apply for a job, or pace someone running for a good cause. I realize that
there are some skill sets that I cannot offer but I think the majority of help
comes from acknowledging that you’re not alone and someone is there for you. To
get out of your own head where you create stories that then feed into negative
emotions. Here today gone tomorrow. I can’t think of a better reason to get out
there and help others and enjoy each and every day-no matter what it has in
store.
Have you ever been working out on a loud treadmill or in a
crowded restaurant and all of a sudden amidst the din you catch a few words of
your favorite song? Despite the apparent lack of music only moments before you
are now able to clearly hear the rest of the song. It’s the same thing with
helping other people. You may not be able to hear the cries for help all the
time but if you perk your ears up and listen you will soon hear it. I have my
ears perked up and the door open and will await your calls for help. J
Up Next: Amber leaves for Kona shortly(thank you everyone who helped support her getting there. You can still do so at her Go Fund Me site). I'll be around to cheer people on at the New England Half Marathon before heading out to cheer her on. Once I return, contact me with any requests. Seriously.
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