August 2019 Board Reflection
I’m in NYC standing at a crosswalk waiting for the light to change so I can cross the street. Next to me an older man with a cane waits also. The light changes I start to cross. I notice the other gentleman did not, I look back. It is winter, in front of him is a small icy patch that I just stepped over. His first step will be in the middle of the ice, every time he starts to take a step he stops. He is not very stable on his feet and knows if he steps on the ice it could be his downfall, literally.
I turn around move toward him and put my arm up for him to grasp. He does so and steps forward with more confidence and over the ice. He releases my arm and we give each other a little nod, and both walk on. I get to the other side of the street and, although I was aware of what I was doing at the time I became conscious of what had just happened.
This was a very satisfying moment for me, not because I helped him, although my ego was pleased. It was a much deeper organic reaction of embodying my Human Nature.
There is a debate about what Human Nature is; naturally competitive or social and altruistic. I see it as only social and altruistic. To be competitive is the need to prove one’s self, an emotional expression.
Human Nature is not thinking about what should be done it is acting from an instinctual place of non-thinking, a gesture of caring that is not controlled by a decision process. Human Nature contains very little emotion and a lot of action. The pleasure of what was done comes after the action.
The sensation of being in touch with my Human Nature has no comparison. It is the unconditional doing that fills me with personal gratitude because it is separate of self. It is an act of kindness that speaks from a place of being complete. Human Nature does not judge what we are doing or who we are helping. The underlying cause is from a healthy place that resides within all and helps us to feel full in our embodiment.
When we find ourselves in a place of Human Nature it removes loneliness because it goes to our tribal roots of being connected to all and knowing that connection comes back to us. If more of us lived within the boldness of our Human Nature more of us would find greater comfort of safety living on this planet. To be connected to Human Nature is our innate desire to do something greater than our self.
There have been other situations where I have spontaneously helped someone or something, many of them forgotten. I am pleased that I forget because it reminds me to not be led by my ego. The doing is instinctual the remembering is ego. Not all ego is bad, it helps keep me inspired to do a good job with any task, and it reminds me to dress neat.
There are other ways Human Nature presents itself, the simple things we do that show our caring about humanity. It is the story of 3 young men helping an invalid into his van or the offering of condolences when we hear a neighbor loved one has passed or bringing them food to help make their burden easier. Simple examples of Human Nature followed by Compassion followed by Action. The unconditional giving of one’s self without personal need, and the everyday deeds easily forgotten.
Human Nature resonates with a thought that is dear to me, “What would the world be like if we all watched out for each other”.
I love being in my Human Nature because it fills me with gratitude from unconditional giving, a small part of my living.