I have this idea, see, of something we can do together to bring the YMCA spirit to you (and maybe others), to grow personally, and to stay connected in the process. (This is when you say, "O, goodness, what is Macy thinking?") I know you're really busy, so do what you can and go conquer the world in the process!
So here's the plan:
- You and I think about what it means to "Pay It Forward" and live a life of active servitude. What concepts lie therein to be explored? What major terms, concepts, and characteristics fall under the umbrella? I know this is super ambiguous, but while I have some ideas, I'd prefer this to be a kind of free-range project. So interpret as you may in your initial reply and we can go from there.
- We discuss over letters these concepts and come up with a list of about 20-30 explorable key concepts.
- We begin. We implement/explore one aspect off of our list everyday or every other day. And when we act them out, we write about them: about our feelings, success, challenges, and final conclusions about that aspect of our theme.
- (Letter originally discussed letters here. Instead...) We blog about our day! However short, however long. No biggie! Then we can immediately comment on, and expand our amiga's conclusions. We can also look back in the oh-so-permanent blogosphere and reflect on our findings togehter to compile some almanac of sorts for living an outward focused life!
All the love in the world,
Macy
This all sounds like an interesting idea, Macy. I wrote an essay last year that connects to this idea of actively "paying it forward" and I'd like to share it on the blog.
ReplyDeleteA person who has greatly influenced me is Anonymous.
Frequently, I find myself lost in the cold, whirling cement jungle - ensnared in aimless, purposeless indifference. Always the bright flashing lights do blind; always the screaming noises do deafen; always the dizzying spin of impatience, materialism, and instant gratification do assault the conscience. When I fall into such distraction, disillusionment, and numbness, I go for a long solitary walk to escape. I find a secluded bench in a hidden park or forgotten forest and am still. Just still and quiet, I close my eyes.
In this quietness, I feel the warm sun on my skin. I tune in to the sound of rustling leaves and feel the same cool breeze that flows through the trees’ soaring branches. I notice the chirping canopy and realize the life that is all around me. I let the forest air flood my starving lungs and I open my eyes. My senses awake, I begin to see the awesome beauty. As the puzzle of life comes together, I sit in wonder, absorbing this deep, complexly simple energy. This is an empowerment that only nature can give: an audience to God’s symphony.
Upon rising and resuming my walk with my newfound empowerment, I glance back at the bench. A small, unadorned plaque reads, “Anonymous.” The idea of anonymity struck me: selfless human compassion. Anyone could have donated this bench and proudly imprinted his name on it. Yet, to have donated it without recognition with the sole intention of sharing this truly awesome moment with another human being? That is profound. It is because of Anonymous’ desire to share this experience – this moment of deep personal growth and revelation – that my eyes and heart are open to a greater world of beauty and compassion.
This compassion, when planted in one’s soul by another, grows into a blossoming tree from which the lover, the loved, and greater humanity enjoy the fruits. Thus, when someone loves you it is your responsibility to pass it on, for love only grows stronger when shared. Should the compassion continue to spread, the path to a greater peace – world peace – is effectively laid.
This is the legacy of Anonymous.
- Michael Fleck