Running
Every part of our being is divinely gifted to us. When life throws us unexpected curveballs, we quickly learn how to appreciate our blessings.
I was a pre-teen the first time I feared for my life. Heading home with my mom seconds after getting off the public bus, I heard a voice yell “Run, run, as fast as you can. I have a gun” from the window of a neighboring building. About six stories above, there was a boy who seemed to be slightly older, leaning over his open windowsill.
If you hear a threat like that in a dangerous area, do not hesitate to question it. Turning to my mom, I told her to run in American Sign Language and that I would explain later. We ran, carrying heavy shopping bags in our hands, after a long day in the city. The kid exploded with laughter as he reminded us to keep running, repeatedly. The torment lasted less than a minute. Our building was less than an avenue away.
Once the coast was clear and I caught my breath, I told my deaf mom what she hadn’t heard for herself. We hugged each other, grateful to be alive. Hugs have many health benefits, I was as soothed as I possibly could have been. We briefly discussed how wild the experience was and continued to do what we would have done any other night. We ate dinner, watched TV, and prepared for the next day. I was not sure what to think about the day, and remember feeling frustrated with myself for not doing more to protect my family. I felt helpless and struggled to understand how anyone could think of taunting another being like that.
It has become clear that perpetrators are desperate to feel valued. Resorting to violence is the unhealthy coping mechanism they’re familiar with. While I do not sympathize with those who, but I can empathize with their struggle to love themselves wholeheartedly.
As I walk past the building, I still look at the windows, trying to guess which apartment exactly the kid came from. I do not know anything about his situation, apart from the brief interaction we had. I hold onto the belief that the more I know, the more I can help. I deeply crave to get to the root cause of any challenge to prevent others from experiencing anything remotely similar as I am working on executing my vision of world peace.
Physiologically, those in environments where they do not have a restful place to call home are less likely to be motivated enough to work towards the bigger picture. Learning more about Maslow's hierarchy of needs explained the lack of compassion I witnessed between those of different socioeconomic classes. It is normal to move between the pyramid levels in response to the ebbs and flows life presents. Self-actualization is attainable.
Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs: A Tool To Understand Human Needs And Motivational Factors
Having experienced one year of public education in a lower-income neighborhood, I noticed how outdated and limited educational materials were. No child should be left behind, including the one shouting from the windowsill. Clearly, the boy sought attention.
It is up to us to create a better world. Generally speaking, support tends to go where money is. It’s why I am so passionate about the nonprofit sector and giving back to less fortunate communities, as much as possible. The journey starts with taking care of ourselves to be of sound mind, body, and spirit. The present is fleeting, the past is long gone, and the future depends on the now. The big picture is always present and good things take time.
