Talk about Inspiration

Yesterday while watching TV, I stumbled on a story about a young 9 year-old boy living in Africa who is raising his 2 younger siblings, because his parents died. Now, his story isn't unique for that part of the world, but something hit me while watching him.The boy showed the reporter a small square piece of plastic, like tarp stuff that insulates houses. That floppy plastic was his bed and shelter for his family. He struggled to keep it together as he shared his story. Despite obvious emotion, he did it. That 9 year old boy was so strong and mature. Clearly he took it upon himself to do what need to be done. That was it. He wasn't looking for anyone else to do it for him. As I watched, something hit me.  It wasn't sadness or pity, it was admiration and inspiration! I saw this boy, developed enough to realize he couldn't look for someone else to solve his problem, pick himself up. He didn't look for a hand out, nor beg the government to fix his situation. He couldn't hope that religion would miraculously save him. And obviously he was clear that his parents weren't going to take care of him. He tapped into a wellspring of something else that gave him the balls to do whatever needed to be done to protect his family. I was in awe. And, that boy's story stuck with me through the whole day.

This morning I shared this story with my wife. And she was impacted by the story too. But she reacted in a different way. She fell into the typical pattern of feeling sorry for the boy and his siblings. I could see it on her face...pity. Pity, that worthlessness from within that the self-limiting image (ego) interprets as compassion. Its the socialist's idea of help. The Bleeding heart do-gooder's excuse to give of their time and energy. Most people have that same pitiful reaction, and most people react quickly by wanting to fix it with money or some other pseudo-altruistic endeavor. 

But, guess what. Most people don't have half the strength or intestinal fortitude as that young African to actually to take action and do something about their own situations. People still look for someone or something "out there" to fix their circumstances. People generally feel sorry for themselves and others. If you don't know what I mean, think about a tupper-ware party or any social gathering, conversations often involve someone telling of their latest awful drama and the usual response is, "aauuhh" with that pitiful pursed up facial pout; followed by a competitive dramatic event to get higher amounts of sympathy. 

You know what, that boy didn't do that at all. And his story is rough enough to beat out most. He just bowed up his chest, got the mollasses out of his asses and did what needed to be done! He made the best out of his situation! Probably to him his situation was like living at the Taj Mahal compared to living on the streets with no food, shelter or family. However, the bleeding heart do-gooders of the world, who show him pity, can't see this empowering truth. Why? Its simple. Most of them have no idea what it is to reach down deep inside and find the best in themselves. People look to appearances. They only see the 9-year old boy on the plastic mattress with his siblings, and say, "Wow, they have it bad, that's so unfortunate...they're much worse off than me."

THAT IS PITIFUL! (pun intended)

With the upcoming perfect storm of economic meltdown, politic unrest, and all of the other things approaching, the question is: can we as Americans can be content and grateful with a small piece of plastic and more importantly share our plastic with others when needed, and do so without the pity and sentimental bullshit we commonly mistake for compassion? Can we do it from a place of large, gutsy balls (or swollen ovaries in your females' case). The young boy showed emotion, but was strong enough that he couldn't waste any time in that position. There were things to do. And, we as Americans, as humans, have a LOT to do. Looking or waiting around for someone else to solve problems isn't the solution. Nor is galvanizing a revolt against some perceived oppressor. The solution lies within! We all must tap that wellspring of innate power, our original nature, in order to do something and prepare for what's to come. Its the best way!

Can you do that?

I am committed to do so for myself.

If you aren't sure how, check out the Shen Life Teachings at www.shen-life.com. It explains in great detail what we all must do!