I have had a heavy heart these past weeks. Despite recent events however, Norma and I are carrying on (see previous blog post). Norma with her dresses and me with my community acupuncture clinic. There seems to be so much “othering” in the world lately – a thing that separates us in a time where we need to be united. We all have so much in common with one another and need each other more than ever. Our culture seems to have lost the rituals and practices that help us strengthen the bonds of community, and provide a container for grieving and healing.
Every day I’m at work I witness and care for a wide variety of human concerns – pain of all sorts, heart break, loss, anxiousness, fear, exhaustion. Witnessing and caring for people has helped me to see that, despite our apparent differences, we all need the same love and care. We all crave a sense of belonging. Everyone needs a place to rest and be held within the community.
During these moments of providing care I don’t see otherness, I see sameness. I see a lot of folks doing their best to have a meaningful life alongside everyone else. I wish everyone could have the experience that I do, week in and week out. Witnessing the vulnerability of people helps me keep my heart open and to remember that deep down we have so much in common.
Last week I had an unexpected heart opening moment while helping someone put their shoes and socks on after an acupuncture treatment. That act, a simple and practical thing, was a beautiful gift for me. I didn’t think much about it at the time, but upon reflection, I’m reminded how precious it is to experience a moment of caring and sharing with someone.
These are the moments where I realize I have a really good job, one that connects me to other humans in a beautiful way. This work helps me see the inherent vulnerability and goodness of everyone, and helps me feel connected to people. My wish is that we can all have more experiences like this in our daily life – to witness other’s pain, suffering, overwhelm, and worry – and to realize that we are not alone, but rather connected. Maybe that is something you get to experience when you’re all together in the community clinic, resting together with others.
Happy Holidays.