I was blown away with the Learning Service video set in the Indian slums. It was like watching Gandhi walking amongst us again. If only I could have the sense of self and selflessness that exuded from Jayesh Patel. I’m not sure if I’m hitting an overly emotional mid 30’s crisis, but I was exceptionally moved by his work. What is it about our culture that makes his life’s work seem so unattainable and unrealistic? What’s stopping me from hopping on a plane and being a part of his mission? Ambition that’s what! His statement “mission not ambition” resonates deeply, since I don’t live to that principle, but wish to. I’m caught in an endless selfish cycle, worrying about my bills, holding down a decent job, being a responsible citizen. Not that there’s anything wrong with creating and sustaining such a life, I should feel blessed that I have accomplished this much. How do I live within this paradox? Another word that emerged frequently today. The desire to act, yet have your actions restrained by some system. One solution that has presented itself is service learning. It provides an opportunity to help, even on a small scale, but have greater impact in the long run. And I can still keep up with my day to day responsibilities. Like I mentioned, perhaps attributed to this manufactured crisis of self, I want to take on all the world’s issues and have an impact in remedying them. It’s just not realistic.
So now I have a new philosophy, thanks to Mr. Patel. He has a wonderful sense of self: a calm aura, not overambitious, beautifully humble and so compassionate. He doesn’t aim to fix the solution of Indian poverty, instead he wants to provide a meaningful social interaction with those that live there. The people in the video just seemed so happy to see him as he meandered along the slums. He truly embodies think globally, act locally. Small steps are taken to improve the quality of life, he doesn’t go knocking down government doors and causing a scene. It’s almost like he sees that as wasted effort, instead he invests time and energy on the front lines and avoids the politics. Thanks Mr. Patel, its sounds overly cliché but you are an inspiration.
The Wright Fellowship and its mentors (that’s what I would call our Professors at this point) never fail to astound me. Now that I am versed in the art of reflection, I have started to document the personal and professional revelations I have made. I’m armed with a vision and have a charter in the works to use as a blueprint for my future actions. Why couldn’t I have known this years ago, think of all that wasted time? I forgot though, we’re not allowed to live in the past, only the present. So that’s what I intend on doing. First action: get involved locally.
Jax,
ReplyDeleteI'm moved by your response. I've been thinking about what you wrote and wonder if sometimes opportunities come into our lives at the moment they are supposed to, for whatever reason this just happens to be the time you, I, or the other cohorts were meant to have this experience. Sometimes I think I've wasted too much of my life but then I try to remember it's the journey that brought me to this moment, so there's a reason. Small steps are sometimes all we can manage and that's okay. Sometimes we can nonly hope, pray, cry, or cuss and that's okay too. Mr. Patel was amazing...thank you for putting it into a lovely context because I couldn't quite describe what I felt/experienced. He met them where they were at, treated them with respect and kindness, and had hope, encouragement, and expectations for the people. Very moving indeed - and inspiring.
That's funny you write that Angie. I've started to try and change my attitude that obstacles or hurdles are put there for a reason. Without them, for sure you wouldn't be where you are now. I am so grateful for whatever life events both good and bad, that brought me to this exact point. I have loved every minute of this program with you all, despite the obstacles!
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