I came to realize the other day that a big difference between me and a homeless person is that I have the money to buy company.
I think one of the greatest struggles we all face is being seen, being of some consequence in this world. How we measure or quantify it is different in each of us, but it is basic human need that I believe we all crave desperately.
How many times have I passed a beggar who has attempted to stare straight into my eyes in order to capture my empathy, and I have denied them of this courtesy in order to protect my soul from connecting to them.
Protecting myself from “Having to Give” has been a common occurrence as I have grown. I have been insulated by giving to well established charities, which in turn have saved me from looking eye to eye with those that need my recognition that they do exist. They all have stories and yes are some are self-created but there does come a point when we, no I stop seeing them, then their potential climb back into society is erased. They become invisible to all of us. They are just another statistic in the growing inequality we are calling society.
My biggest fear has always been losing it all and being of no consequence, existing without a voice. I now know I have turned my eyes away from the homeless fearful through superstition that if I got to close perhaps this fate would befall me. And in that I have crept closer to losing my dignity.
Today I take a stand within myself, to give. Not just with money or material items, but with time and connection. It is time to reach out and to look straight into the eyes of someone who is invisible and see them.
Namaste my friends
