[blockquote source=”Leo Buscaglia”]“It’s not enough to have lived.  We should be determined to live for something. May I suggest that it be creating joy for others, sharing what we have for the betterment of personkind, bringing hope to the lost and love to the lonely.”[/blockquote]

I’m a bit unsettled over something I’ve learned recently.

You see a dear friend with over 34 years of service with my company, has been told that he’s no longer ‘welcome.’

Of course, there were the pleasantries of, “My goodness, what a great job you’ve done…” And, the formalities of handshakes dressed to ‘business best.’

But, in the end, only one truth stands certain, and that very few of those well-wishers stepped forward to help him.

As a Buddhist, and not unlike many other compassionate souls, I’m always left wondering – how on earth can we turn our backs to another human in need? To feign, not even partial sorrow for this deed that has been done?

At times, I worry…that this industrial machine has won.

Oh, but that’s when we must dig deepest, my friends and to ensure the human heart may always be heard.

To shepherd compassion, over currency – isn’t that what this world needs most? When an offer is of giving, with no expectations in return…and every child has in hand, the necessities to thrive.

No, my dears, it’s not enough to simply just walk by.

“Looking after oneself, one looks after others. Looking after others, one looks after oneself.”

In Buddhism, there is a concept of ‘service, with meaning.’ In other words, when we step away from this constant need for validation – we are able to help others, while also helping ourselves.

We are setting aside our ego, to connect – once again, as equals.

And, my dears – isn’t that where compassion’s roots take form?

We want so very much to become enlightened beings, to feel the heart of the Bodhisattva. And yet, in reality there is this balance – between what we want and what we fear. Is it that, perhaps, we fear our own unearthing?

Instead, of taking action, we cling to this suspended state – like a tiny ant caught in the amber.

What we fail to realize is, that one single action can become our liberation.

Just one step nearer to our edge – brings us that much closer to our happiness.  So, take a moment to offer kind words…connect with your human family.

I can think of a dozen or so things to help in some way – but, what good is it without the doing?

My dears, it’s the simple things we do each day – that lend great purpose to our being.

Namaste.