Reach Out.
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August 30, 2017
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November 1, 2017
The act of reaching out is the most generous gift.
Sometimes when friends or relatives are going through a challenging time, it is natural for us to want to be there for them in a meaningful way. This desire underscores our connection to each other. When we sense another person’s suffering, it is natural to want to reach out to offer comfort.
Reaching out when someone is emotionally, physically, mentally, or spiritually in need can remind them that they are neither alone nor forgotten — two common internal experiences shared by those in distress.
As observers, we try to find the right words or actions that will be appropriate for this person at this moment. Sometimes, we can get stuck as we ruminate over the perfect way to reach out. In my experience, there is no one perfect way. Each of us is unique. Each situation is unique. Each of us has preferences (which may or may not be conscious) regarding how and by whom we allow ourselves to be nurtured.
Finding the appropriate way to reach out can be challenging but it does not mean we should not do it. We may overstep or not do enough. That will surely happen some of the time. We will miss the mark in some way. But if our intention is pure, our heart is open, and we attempt to see the situation from the other person’s perspective, we will likely come close to that mark.
Hopefully, the person we want to soothe will feel that. What is important is that we seize and not miss
the opportunity to offer a heartfelt kindness when someone we care about is in need.
