“You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.” - Luke 12:40
Have you ever had a moment where the world shifted, and suddenly, it wasn't all about you anymore? It's a transformative moment, marking the start of a journey—a fight—to embrace the concept of selflessness. A fight between the ego and your higher self. But it's not always easy. Self-care is crucial, bills need paying, and societal pressures often feed into a "me first" mentality.
Enter a simple yet profound "life hack" from Erik Schrody, known as Everlast, in his 1998 single, "What It's Like." Through poignant lyrics, he paints a vivid picture of societal judgment and the human tendency to dismiss others' struggles. His message is clear: before passing judgment, walk a mile in someone else's shoes.
In the song, Erik describes the experiences of a homeless person, a young girl who is impregnated by a man who misled her, and a young drug dealer who dies in the name of “street cred.” Erik sings about how society looks at these three distinct personalities in the same way. It is the mentality of, “They made their choices in life. They’re on their own.” The song points out how quick we are to dismiss these people as if they are not people at all. As if they are defined by some of their poor life decisions.
This sentiment resonates deeply in today's divided world, where empathy seems to be in short supply. Yet, it's precisely what we need to navigate the complexities of our shared reality. Nobody is perfect. SPOILER ALERT: this includes you and I! As we grapple with societal issues, it's easy to fall into the trap of blame and division. But what if we paused to consider the humanity behind each individual story?
Everlast's song serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of empathy in our interactions. It challenges us to look beyond surface judgments and recognize the shared humanity in every person we encounter. Through empathy, we can cultivate a greater understanding of the struggles faced by others and foster a more compassionate society.
Reflecting on these themes, I'm reminded of a profound experience during a recent trip to Denver. As I wandered the city streets, I stumbled upon a striking statue of Jesus Christ, depicted as a homeless man with an outstretched hand and stigmata. It was a powerful symbol of divinity intersecting with human suffering, challenging conventional notions of spirituality. Upon seeing this statue (which can be seen by clicking here), I immediately heard Everlast’s song playing in my head.
Later that same evening, as I made my way back to my accommodation, I encountered a young homeless man outside a convenience store. His request for spare change struck a chord with me, prompting me to offer him a cold bottle of water instead. I had no spare change, so I used my card to purchase some water instead. In that moment, I saw a glimmer of recognition in his eye—a shared humanity transcending societal divides.
As I reflect on these experiences, I'm reminded of the essence of what I strive to cultivate through Bay Flavor via my creative expression—empathy, understanding, and a recognition of the inherent dignity of every individual. May we all embrace the power of empathy in our lives, and may it guide us towards a more compassionate and connected world.
God bless you and keep it Bay Flavor!
BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR AN ARTICLE DIVING DEEPER INTO MY EXPERIENCE IN DENVER AT PSYCHEDELIC SCIENCE 2023! LOADS OF PICTURES INCLUDED!
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