Several years ago I happened to attend the ceremonies and speeches at the opening of the "Center for Spiritual Leadership" in Wash. DC. It was quite an inspirational event, and had local leaders of 5 different religions in attendance and speaking. During the reception, I was standing next to a man with a turban who turned out to be a yoga instructor in town, and remarked, to no one in particular, "I wonder of what significance this opening will ultimately be?"
The man next to me smiled, and proceeded to tell me an amazing personal story...
Seems that awhile back a friend of his, a Vietnam Vet, was suffering greatly from post-traumatic syndrome after the war. As a gesture of kindness, the yoga instructor invited his friend out to dinner one day to help him sort out matters --- to listen to his problems and console him. During that meal, the concept of some sort of memorial to those who fought in Vietnam came up...
According to the instructor, his friend got animated and excited. What a fantastic idea! It would be great! And over the next few years his friend devoted his full time and efforts to promoting and getting support for this Don Quixotian Quest. Out of this simple gesture to his friend, from this act of kindness, ultimately arose the amazing and legendary Vietnam Memorial in Washington DC. A monument that has proved a great comfort for thousands of veterans, friends, and relatives who suffered because of that awful conflict.
I've not sought to validate the story, only to tell it to people when it seems appropriate. The moral appeals to me: who knows what consequences will ripple from a kind act of compassion? Who knows what significant impact on society will promulgate from helping a friend? Who can say definitively that you're wasting your time by information tabling, holding up a sign, handing out fact sheets, or signing a petition?
I'd like to think that this story is true. I'm reminded of the message sometimes watching Howard Lyman, "The Mad Cowboy," and knowing as his consultant, the incredible sacrifice and effort he puts into his work and his mission. I've thought about it watching the fatigue in Alex Hershaft's eyes at FARM as he labors into the late night to prevent another holocaust like the one he lived through (this one, for animals). I've been reminded of the story whenever seeing activists pour out every ounce of energy they have to effect change in the world, and often be ridiculed in the process.
The instructor's story has inspired and comforted me in my own endeavors, and I hope that activists don't despair ---- that those who think we're wasting our time trying to change the world, stop and consider that we might, indeed, be catalysts for that transformation --- we just can't know for certain. We have to have faith. No choice. We need to be reminded that although we may not always recognize the final results of our hard work, if we have the right motivation, and it's the right cause, our work WILL have an impact.... this is a universal principle.
From little acorns and actions, mighty oaks and movements grow.
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