Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Helping

I talked with an old friend today. It was a very tender conversation, and at one point he expressed his sadness and frustration that he did not live near us so that he could help. Barely holding back tears, he said, "I could cook you dinner or just hug you guys." I was sad too, not because we necessarily need the help, but because I have come to understand that helping in these situations is not only (or even primarily) about providing practical assistance. It's about manifesting our love, compassion and connection. It's about being able to materialize and act out the feelings and thoughts we have for each other. Without the ability to do this, as with my friend, the empathy can begin to gnaw at us.

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