I can walk past people living on the street and tell myself "giving money might just feed a drug habit", "I'll give something to a homeless charity", "they don't want me to draw attention to them" or "Connecting with them with a smile acknowleging our common humainty is an appropriate response". But any conceptual or even physical response seems meaningless in the face of the situations and stories that have led someone to be living outdoors. How can I respond? Do I meet each stranger with the mindful presence with which I go to meet my Zen teachers? I confess I do not, and if I reserve the best of myself for meetings with those I consider important, am I not a fraud?, selecting the worthy and unworthy, reaching out to those who least need it and passing by with a swift excuse, those who are maybe most in need?
I think that the reality of homelessness, especially in the depths of winter forces us to face ourselves, question our compassion, to reach for an appropriate response. I do not know what this is, but I'd like to commit to being present for life and giving my whole self to whoever I meet on the streets. Awakening is everywhere!
~ Angyu Devin Ashwood
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