The end of his famous prayer asks “Lord, grant that I may seek rather to comfort than to be comforted—to understand, than to be understood—to love, than be loved…”
The focus is on others. How do my actions affect others? Am I adding value to the experience of those I encounter, or do I want to be the recipient? Am I being ‘me’ focused, or ‘others’ focused? It’s a challenge, isn’t it! How do I take care of my own needs if I’m only paying attention to yours?
Life is balance. It’s the yin/yang symbol, ever revolving, each aspect supporting the other, each containing a little bit of the other. ☯️
I have experienced the validity of this. For example, yesterday I was part of a trio gently singing to people who are facing their last days on this mortal plane. Getting to the place was confusing, there was no parking, one of the residents was in distress and was ignored by staff as he kept crying out for help, and I was in a mood. Then, with each person we sang to, the joy of life—even in this place—was returned. Each person received the love and comfort we intended for them. When that happens, it becomes a two-way street of each one of us receiving the sense of ease in the moment.
That might be considered a ‘return on investment’. In offering what may be needed in the moment to another, my soul is fed. It’s a by-product, not the goal of the action, but it’s every bit as effective. How could I be happy if all I did was think of and ask that my personal needs be met, leaving others to fend for themselves? What kind of world would that be? All I have to do is turn on the news to see the answer.
I dream of a New World. It needs people who consider the needs of others, then take action. My gratitude today is for the peace which arises from being of service to others. May all beings know such peace. May all beings be released from selfishness and want. May all beings know happiness, and the sources of happiness. May all beings thrive.
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