A REFLECTION

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Yesterday, I was going through some notes to make up for the recent time lost, and came across this little wisdom jewel. It has been several years since I saw it for the first time. As I read it, it began to gain a hold of me; its real message being on point, especially in these times of the “me first” social construct.

A good friend related this story to me several years ago, and it impressed me so much that I wrote it down and saved it for some future time. That future moment is now.

This is what I wrote down…

“My father used to buy basic goods and trinkets -which most often he really did not need- from poor street vendors, usually paying a high price and, sometimes, even paying extra. Then he continued: “I was baffled by this behaviour from someone who worked hard for his money and who did not like to squander it, so I asked him why he did this, and he replied: ‘It is a charity gift, but it is wrapped in dignity, my son” 

It has taken several years, with all the ups and downs they imply, to begin to understand the level of humanity present in this attitude. My friend’s father understood well the concept of human dignity.

Today, this has been largely forgotten or -worse- ignored by many who choose to look down on their fellow human beings. Because they may have a bit more, or because they consider themselves to be in a better “social status”. What this ill-conceived behaviour truly shows is the emptiness these folk carry within.  

From the poorest to the richest, every human being deserves to be treated kindly.  When someone is treated in a way in which their self-respect and dignity are diminished, two things will happen: First, the recipient of the slight will feel a lesser being. This is hurtful and does much emotional damage to that person.

Then, the abuser (there is no other way to call this person) will, in a much more lasting way, lose what important aspects of their human makeup are: the capacity to manage how to relate to others and the ability to understand and empathise; sooner or later, he or she will receive just retribution from life. Many will identify this natural life reaction as "Karma.". And as we have all experienced at one time or another in life, karma is a very real process.

It isn’t very difficult to treat others with kindness and to help them keep their dignity. Yes, even when at times we can feel a degree of frustration due to someone’s actions. Don’t forget that none of us is perfect (yes, believe it or not, including you and me); I am sure all of us have been a source of frustration to someone else at one time or another. 

Be as patient and as understanding as you can be. When we manage to do this, no matter what situation we may be facing, we are also preserving our own dignity, self-respect, and well-being. And, yes, our peace of mind as well.

Be well!!



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