Helping Others
Jul 10th, 2006 by David Wechsler
After leaving my wife for a day of baby shopping with a friend of hers, I didn’t know what to do for the next few hours, so after driving around a little while, I thought of my favorite local (only) new age store and while I have felt no desire to go there for the past few months due to feeling some resistance, I went anyway. I realize that sometimes when we feel resistance to something, it’s a sign that possibly our ego is getting in the way of letting us experience something new that (while sometimes scary, or out of our comfort-zone, etc.) can take us to new heights.
After perusing the books for a while I heard some ladies at the drink bar wishing each other happy birthday and as they looked at me I said it’s my birthday too. They invited me to join and as I did it was wonderful because I felt I was in the midst of making some new friends. I love this stuff. We talked of politics, manifestation, fears, the apropriateness of trying to help someone, etc. I had a great time getting to know one lady in particular and her plight in finding what to do with her life. We exchanged stories and shared our thoughts on how spirit guides us on our individual paths. We oftentimes cannot copy others’ paths, despite how worn the path is made. Sometimes spirit says that we can’t follow someone else’s footsteps and so we have to create our own path. While it’s a difficult way to go, the places you go can be spectacular, depending upon where your mind is at, and of course, how you interpret your life.
While chatting there was another worker in the store who was extremely upset, crying, and as my heart went out to her - I wanted to help in some way, I couldn’t for fear of being inappropriate of socially improper to the people who I was deep in conversation with. So I waited it out, waiting for my chance for the environment to shift so I could walk over an offer assistance. Eventually the opportunity presented itself and while I walked over in confidence, I felt the words come out with nervousness - I tried to be cautious, and I’ve never (that I could recently remember) been so bold to offer assistance in such a manner. Even though she politely said she was alright, I felt good when expressed real appreciation for me offering. Eventually we chatted after the others’ left and I thought I did a good by just giving her a place to vent. She was very sweet and was going through some home & work difficulties. I think we may stay in touch (I offered). What’s interesting to me personally was that I have been feeling a deep desire to help others for awhile and it’s hard to leave our comfortable space, for fear of rejection, I was proud of myself for being compassionate in the moment. I don’t know if we’ll become friends, but offering her assistance seemed like the right thing to do at the time. It feels good to help others and I hope that more opportunities come my way for me to help.
Since going through a number of stuggles personally, and emerging from the other side better than when I went in, I have picked up a few very practical tools along the way that I would love to share with all of those around me. Perhaps this is yet another fork on my path. We shall see.
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