And It Talks To Me, It Tiptoes

So lately, I've had my nose in the books as some might say, studying for my finals that I had this week. In actuality, I didn't really study that much, but I did read incredibly interesting articles that I hadn't read when we were supposed to. Imagine that! One of the articles I read for Sociology was about social movements, and I found a quote that resonated with me quite strongly. It was from M.S.A. Rao, please don't ask me who that is because I don't know, but he said, "A sufficient level understanding and reflection is required on the part of the participants, and they must be able to observe and perceive the contrast between the social and cultural conditions of the privileged and the deprived, and must realize that it is possible to do something about it." He was referencing protests and social movements. The last part about "realizing it is possible to do something about it" started whirling around in my mind about what the world would be like if we all had this mentality. We all know of the injustices and corruption in this world, and I think all of us know that there are options and possibilities in existence that could end injustice and corruption, we just don't do anything about it. I'm obviously guilty of this same crime, and I'm ashamed that I haven't realized it or admitted it sooner. I see issues in the world that can be prevented, and I do nothing about it.

Although I would love it if we could all put an end to violence and war and poverty, I know that this is most likely not possible. Even with my idealist attitude, I realize the extremity of each case. However, what if we started small? Is there someone on the street that doesn't have food and is begging that you pass by everyday? If so, why not bring food with you the next time that you pass that person? They need food, you have food and so a realization of the possible occurs. Is there someone you know that is struggling and just needs to know that someone is there for support? They need someone to lean on, you are capable of supporting them and so a realization of the possible occurs. Do you have clothes that you don't wear anymore or do you have extra time to spare to help out at an NGO or food shelf? You have clothes to give, people need clothes; you have extra time to spare, people need help and time, and so a realization of the possible occurs. It can be so simple, but yet it can begin to change the way that we view our world.

I myself, need to be a better advocate and constant participant in this philosophy, because there is so much that I can do. I was thinking to myself as well about how I hold back sometimes or hesitate when giving someone food or buying food for someone to eat. Why do I do it? They need the food, I have the money and/or the food, and so what is so difficult about that exchange of interaction? I've even seen a change with new-life philosophies. For instance, although I do not practice this nearly as often as I should, I believe that smiles can bring peace. I love receiving spontaneous smiles, especially from people I don't know. It makes me feel like I have a ball of sunshine in my stomach, and yes, I promise I'm not high as I write this. We all have smiles, no matter what they look like. Why not give a smile to people as you're walking down the street? You just might change some one's day or even life. As cheesy and motivational as this sounds, it's more of an urgency. There is a desperate need for people that are alive in the search for possibilities that can change the world positively. We need as many people as we can recruit, and although there is no monetary profit, trust me, it has immense benefits.