About this time last year, COVID-19 began sneaking its way into San Diego, forcing us into the unfamiliar isolation and halting pace of a shelter-in-place. To remind us we weren’t alone in the weirdness (and to some degree, scariness) of our new reality, a kind neighbor posted flyers on every light post and mailbox in sight: 8:00 pm each night, grab your pans and wooden spoons, and holler out your window with all your might – a thank you to essential workers and a loud declaration that we’re in this together. Our raucous evening ritual went on for months, but then, ever so slowly, a few less pots rang out into the fading light. Drowning out the connection and togetherness, the country’s climate began to clang louder and mightier with rising tension. We forgot we were in it together, until one day, we reached 8:00 pm and there were no shouts, no clanging pots. In its place, we felt the heaviness of a divided people that had forgotten they belong to each other. A people tired and weary, unsure of where to go from here. So, as we are making a full round about the sun and arriving at March once more, it seems a timely opportunity to remind ourselves that we are in this together – whether this is a pandemic, grief and loss, celebration, or life itself.
To help us remember, I thought a community conversation might do us some good, so go ahead. Grab a cup of coffee or a bowl of popcorn, light a candle, and bundle up in that cozy blanket that’s a little worn in from overuse. Pull up your chair, and lean in close:
What is a recent act of compassion that reminds you of our shared humanity?
This is a community convo, so your response to this question is welcomed and encouraged in the comments section down below! As you read through other’s responses, please feel free to respond and engage.
A few quick community guidelines to create a safe space for all of us to show up, be seen, and share openly here:
- Differing perspectives and opinions are welcomed in this space (the more diverse our experiences and backgrounds, the better)! We will focus on voicing OUR OWN perspectives, without shaming or devaluing the expressed opinions of others.
- This is a platform that affirms the inherent dignity of every human life. Our comments will never demean an individual or an entire group of people.
- We are here to share our ideas and learn from each other so that we can show up in our everyday lives more whole and free. We are not showing up with the goal of drilling home our point or winning a debate.
- Community convos are a place to have fun, gain fresh perspective, and connect with other people. We show up with a willingness and commitment to take up space in such a way that all three are possible for all who gather here.
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6 Comments
Since I recently broke my foot and have been unable to drive, I feel like I have been surrounded by acts of compassion towards me. Which for me is weird to receive so many kind acts. But I have been amazed of the kindness of friends and strangers. From picking up my car, taking me the hospital, helping me carry things, holding open doors, and even doing my lab work, I have felt so much compassion and sense of togetherness.
Hi Kelsey! Thanks so much for sharing. I love that you have been surrounded by so much compassion and support. I feel like a few of my most challenging times of life have also been the moments where I felt the most support and compassion from friends and strangers who really showed up for me. I love that we get to pay it forward for others, and I think it’s a hard but good thing when we are on the receiving end too <3
I teach adults with severe disabilities and they constantly remind me that we’re in this together. However, one incident stands out and it happened a few weeks ago. One of my students came on camera crying and I told her to go ask her mom or sister for help. All the rest of my students (verbal & non-verbal) comforted her in their own way. It was amazing.
Hi Veronica! Thanks for being here and for sharing about your students. I love that picture of community support and compassion coming around your student. I’m sure it meant a lot to her, and it’s sweet how it also stood out so much for you and probably too, the students who got to comfort and cheer for her. That’s really special!
I own a swim school and we have a little girl who cries at her lesson each week. Last week Mom felt so discouraged and frustrated with her crying that she pulled her daughter out of the lesson before it was over. After Mom went outside with her daughter, we noticed that another Mom of one of our students (who also used to cry during his lesson) went outside to talk to her. Later, we found out that the Mom offered encouragement to the discouraged Mom and told her that she could relate to her feelings because her son used to cry at swim lessons too. She encouraged her to hang in there and assured her that her daughter would eventually stop crying. The following week when Mom brought her daughter to her lesson, we noticed that she had a renewed sense of determination and trust in the process of her daughter learning how to enjoy the water. It is so heartwarming that kind words from a stranger who has walked in our shoes can lift our spirits and remind us that we’re not alone. 🙂
What a sweet story! I love how just the realization that we aren’t alone can shift our perspective and the way we are able to navigate a challenging circumstance. Thanks for sharing!