:::
Something I'd like to figure out for my own children: how to involve them in the larger world, how to bring into their privileged and comfortable lives a desire to care for others, to be aware of need and sensitive to it; and to accept help, too. To treat everyone with dignity and respect. I'm not sure how to write a 600 word column on a subject I haven't got a firm fingerhold on myself; but I want to know more. Where in my own life am I lacking this kind of compassion? How can I find time and space to do more? Where to begin? Small, I'm thinking. (Shoot--I should have accepted
that cough candy from the Mormons).
When Kevin broke his knee last winter, and I was run ragged trying to keep up with the demands of our life, I realized that despite my most sincere wishes otherwise, doling out seemingly endless help wasn't bringing out the best in me or making me a finer, more patient person; instead, I felt squeezed like an empty toothpaste tube. I had nothing left to give. A smile to a grocery store clerk felt like more emotion and empathy than I could manage. But I still believe it's always possible to give more, just in increments, like the way your body can stretch just that little bit farther when you're holding a posture in yoga and following your breath.
But it comes to me: without that breath, farther isn't possible.
Maybe that's the key.
Oh dear. My morning has been thrown out of whack! Have to fly. Unexpected arrivals all over the place today.