A few days ago I was out on a jolly jaunt around town and I was skipping along in my sunnies, when I saw a man sitting wrapped up in a sleeping bag in the porch of an empty shop. I've been blessed of late to have been inspired by some fellow "compassionistas" who have been learning more about and meeting homeless people (compassionistas, you know who you are :)). With this in mind, and motivated by my desire to talk to anyone and everyone, I sat down on the floor to chat to my new friend in the shop porch. My friend's positivity despite the apparent difficulty of his current situation beat my own positivity hands down, and I have a roof and many other comforts associated with a typical middle class life. We had a wonderful chat seemingly united by simply being human, and I was proud of the humans that we were in that moment.
I gave my new friend the money I had in my purse and suggested it might be good for a hot drink (I'm the biggest tea fan). I was touched by how grateful he was and his gratitude was immensely genuine. Just then, along came a lovely gentleman and our conversation grew to three. He was lovely too with a similar spring in his step to mine despite being a little older! He told us of his beautiful children and marriage (60 plus years!) and my new friend and I smiled, probably both hoping we might one day have the same thing. This lovely passer-by gave my friend more money and well wishing words and I think we all felt warmer than any cup of tea could make us; and where did that warmth come from? From something we all have - a heart. A heart full of compassion.
My friend told me he had hopes of getting a job, similar to the one he had only a short while ago. Encouraged by the passer-by to challenge my own compassion further I jumped up to get some more cash. Me and my friend agreed that this might be enough to buy a phone to perhaps make some arrangements for a new job. We talked some more before I had to say goodbye so I could make it to work in time! My friend continued to say every grateful word under the sun, even though all I had done was talk to him and given him some money I could cope without. I hope I managed to show him gratitude for opening my eyes to compassion further.
As I walked, my friend's situation played on my mind and I remembered that someone I know at a charity nearby may have worked in housing previously. I visited them to see if I could get some helpful numbers (perhaps for their new phone!). Unfortunately I couldn't get any numbers for direct help, but I got some numbers for a shelter that could have been able to. I went straight back to see my new friend, but I was so happy to see that someone else was there making friends with him too. What a compassionate scene! I met this inspiring man in my hurry, with our smiles all so big, and I started to cry a little. This lovely man introduced himself with warmth and happiness. He thanked me for what I had done for my new friend, but he was about to do so much more. This man had a spare room and he told me he could possibly offer it to my new friend.
That's just the best thing, right? Let's all just think about that!
Compassionista x
