This I Believe: Balance

I don’t believe in reincarnation or enlightenment as taught in Buddhism. The concepts are beautiful though, and I do believe that people can become enlightened, but there is no absolute mode of being so…

However, if there were to be such a thing, I’d like to believe I’d reach it in my lifetime. Sometimes, for very brief instances, I get a small glimpse of what they’re talking about… Those rare and beautiful moments where the already-always-listening stops and whispers, “Shhh… Listen….”

I know for a fact that I won’t ever be rich. I understand how socioeconomics work: if you’re born into the low class, chances are you’ll die in the low class. This doesn’t bother me too much - on a good day.

I’m not so poor that I live on the street. I have a roof and electricity, I have a job and food, I’m in college and I have internet at home. That’s not to say it’s not rough, but I can definitely say I appreciate the things I have.

And I think that is what makes the difference. I’m not so low as to be bitter, and I’m not so high as to be ungrateful. Sure, I may be stubborn and try to deny the help offered me when it is, but I accept it and am none the less thankful for the support and opportunities that DO arise in my life. Sure, I may experience that bitterness on some days, but when I’m lying in bed at night, I lean right over my heating vent to turn the light off and remember.

I believe in this balance. I have my understanding of the way our world works as it is now, and I do not have to accept it for what it is when I know it is so wrong. But I try not to let it engulf me.

I believe in this balance because a heart of anger does not leave room for a heart of love. I make room for the anger to be felt, and then I fill it with the love and empathy I feel for people just like me.

I may not move up the social ladder, but I will try. And if I do, I will bring that love and empathy with me, and I will help to heal. Because I will not forget my thankfulness for what I do have now in the case of finding more.

I believe in balance because it is the crux of human dignity, compassion, and understanding. And that balance is what changes the world.