Hunting for Humanity
In complete honestly times of late have not been easy. The Utah trip was amazing and I thought it would give the respite needed but coming into May I’ve realized I’ve lost something.
Removing myself from socials has helped but the steady stream of news, current events, and a few work disappointments continues to weigh me down to the point where I had not fully realized how it was affecting me. The first signs came from a meetup with an old friend. She was brave enough to reach out after to mention that my energy was a bit off and if I was ok? Nope…. I don’t think I am actually. I’m thankful for her.
Not surprisingly a moment on a bike recently provided some thoguhts. Signs have been posted recently along the Madison’s Southwest bike path reminding all to be courteous and respectful to those fellow walkers and cyclists. Like any good rule follower (shhh… don’t tell anyone) last week I took the note to heart and I started waving to everyone I passed. Not that super cool minimalist flick of the hand; this was full on arm-a-waving kind of wave from 30 feet away. Picture Forrest Gump on a bike and something the fellow path enthusiasts just can’t avoid. I did it once, then twice… then it became a game to see if I could get others to react with a laugh or smile.
“As a quality or trait: Humanity can mean the qualities that make us human, especially compassion, empathy, kindness, and benevolence toward others.”
I’m 5 days in on this little experiment and just this little act of trying to connect in these micro moments has helped re-realize that finding humanity is critically connected to my happiness.
Where there is smoke, there is fire.
In a general sense I had an understanding of humanity my curious soul dug further and I was reminded of words like empathy, compassion, kindness, living ethically, and fulfillment . Familiar concepts that grounded me instantly back to who I am and what I believe. Memory is a fickle thing and further research reminded me of an old favorite book from Viktor Frankl, Man's Search for Meaning. While not an easy read, it’s worth the time and reminds me that sustainability is a process of finding meaning wherever I can. This helped.
Waving to strangers on the bike path is great but I’ve come to the realization that my life’s real nut to crack is finding real and connected moments with people. People that are willing to share in curiosity, knowledge, and moments in time in ways that embody empathy, compassion, truth, and kindness. Only there will life start to feel human and might provide some deeper, more sustainable hope.
If you're hunting for humanity as well, shoot me a message, or leave a comment. Looking forward to connecting and thanks for reading.