Realizing we are each other, we can learn to give of ourselves.
You might think I am some sort of idealist or believer in a
utopian society, but there are some questions that I like to ask
and wonder about in relation to the future of our species. One
such question that often comes to mind is, 'Can individual
people learn to recognize and realize that all other people have
similar desires and needs in life to their own?' It's a kind of
paradox. To truly connect and help others we need to realize
both what makes them individual and different, as well as what
makes them intrinsically the same as ourselves. So can this
revelation occur in the minds of our whole combined human
society?
It seems that many of the social problems in our world today
stem from the ignorance of another's customs and beliefs. In
other words, fear of the unknown. There has also been a strong
push by Western society to fight for what you can get for
yourself. Take hold of what you can and defend it against all of
the 'competitors'. The problem with this belief system is that
the glue of our collective social consciousness becomes unstuck.
We no longer see that each and every organism/spirit/soul/body
around us is another one of ourselves. We lose the tribal truth
and realization that we are here together and that we actually
need each other for survival and the attainment of a healthy
life.
If I think only about myself today, the funny thing is, I'm
probably going to feel bad as my focus will probably start
obsessing over what things are wrong with my life, what things
could be better. The glass is half empty. On the other hand, I
really would like to start seeing all the opportunities that are
presented to me everyday in which I could help others with their
lives and their happiness. I heard a famous human being once say
that when we are babies we need to be taken care of, and when we
grow old and feeble, again we rely on the kindness of others. So
why in the middle of our lives, when we are fit and healthy, do
we ignore the needs of those who require our attention?
Here I sit at my desk writing words on a piece of paper that
will be deemed an article and then sent around the world for
people to read if they so desire. Maybe many will read it, maybe
none at all. Why am I doing it? Well I'm getting paid, and
that's an important impetus as it will hopefully keep me alive
with food, clothing, and shelter. I'm also making a trade with
my employer. For my intellectual property or skills and
knowledge in my area of expertise (I rarely if ever feel as
though I am proficient enough in this word game) I am
reciprocated with experience in my specific area of interest, as
well as the monetary gain I mentioned above. However, there must
be something more going on here.
Why am I writing this article? Is it for my employer or for
myself? No, the truth is that it is for everyone that is
destined to come across it and read it. Why do I feel the need
to speak to my fellow beings? I'm not an evangelist, a preacher,
or a teacher. I'm just a normal guy. The simple truth is I feel
a driving desire to care about what happens to my human brothers
and sisters in the world. Why have a good life for myself if so
many others suffer, especially if some are suffering (often
unbeknownst to myself) because of my own actions? Look, I'm not
perfect. Ask my family and friends and they will surely tell
you, I am very far from it. I have these ideas, but does that
mean I always put them into practice? No way. But I do have this
strange feeling that if I just express myself, as an average
citizen of the Earth, that some small, if only slightly
significant ripples of change could be affected on my human
family.
Maybe after reading these words, you'll decide to do something
for someone else today, however small it may be. I've seen so
much goodness in other people. You may even wish to do it
anonymously. I mean, the ultimate form of giving is done without
thought of any return of favor. I kind of wish that this
article/story/stream of conscious thought could be written
anonymously, but I'm not allowed. It's the rules. I have to be
accountable for what I say. As I am working for a company, I
have to represent them here. It's a strange world isn't it?
So, if you've made it this far through my thoughts on the
screen/page all I really have to say is one simple message, 'Do
whatever you can, big or small, to give love back to the world,
to help others in need.' We all need help from people and are
given the opportunity to help people everyday. You could now be
saying to yourself, 'Why should I help others? My life has been
hard and painful, no one ever helped me.' It could be true. But
is it reason enough for you to shut yourself off from the magic
of the Universe, the Sun, stars, forests, oceans, animals and
people? Another paradox is the feeling that one gets from
giving. All that you may receive is the feeling that you gave of
yourself. What a feeling that can be!
Summary: 'Can individual people learn to recognize and realize
that all other people have similar desires and needs in life to
their own?' To truly connect and help others we need to realize
both what makes them individual and different, as well as what
makes them intrinsically the same as ourselves. 'Do whatever you
can, big or small, to give love back to the world, to help
others in need.' We all need help from people and are given the
opportunity to help people everyday.