This is incredibly powerful and contains such an important message, Rob. The kind I want to write on a post-it and stick to the fridge for my family to see and absorb as well.
I hold it that God dwells in all of us, as us. So looking at another as you point out Rob, and seeing someone who is a part of us, connects us to them and also to the Divine.
Thank you for this contribution to the lens through which I see the world. 🙏❤️
Gorgeous. And such an important reframing. I am watching the suffering in Gaza, the Sudan, and Congo be ignored and I want the world to practice this philosophy for both those near and far.
Rob, wow. I was holding my breath through this whole story. And I always appreciate a good reminder that we never know what's going on in someone else's life. Sometimes it's not a bad person we're encountering, just a person. Having a bad day.
Well done man. Enjoyed the brevity AND profound depth.
My reflections are somewhat tangential to your point. We're all messes trying to keep it together. All, for the most part, trying to show the world we know something and aren't fallible, mortal, human wrecks just doing our best. It's so easy to rush along and forget that everyone experiences heartache and despair.
Reminds me of the Buddhist parable where the Buddha asks a grieving woman to bring him a mustard seed from a house that has not been touched by death. Obviously she can't, and in that moment sees that everyone experiences tragedy and death. Not just her.
I'm going to actively take this as a practice for the next few days Rob. "If we knew anything of another’s hardest moments, we’d feel nothing but tenderness toward them. Just knowing that might be enough, without even knowing the specifics of what they’ve dealt with, what they’re currently facing, what lies ahead."
That's amazing to hear. A practice is exactly what it is. I'm constantly forgetting, and then trying to come back to it when I can remember. Would love to know how it goes for you.
It was so amazing how this message was following me yesterday. I saw a clip later that day of Michael Franti in concert, and he said, "There is not a single person in this country you wouldn't love if you knew their story." And then when I was bike-riding yesterday, passing by other cyclists, and pedestrian, and motorists, your statement was present in my attention and palpably changed how I was relating to all these people, so many of whom (I'm embarrassed to say) I automatically judge. I have your thoughts written down and visible on my desk to keep it in front of me right now. So that's how it's going for me!
If I was going to curate a first aid bag with medicine for when I'm feeling kind of shitty (and thus sometimes being kind of shitty) I would put this in it, in an easy to reach place. It's so beautiful, thank you for writing and for sharing it.
Please keep writing. I've been reading everything on your Substack this weekend.
Also, there is a word for this feeling—Sonder:
The profound feeling of realizing that everyone, including strangers passing in the street, has a life as complex as one's own, which they are constantly living despite one's personal lack of awareness of it.
I love your writing and the perspective you share in this one specifically. Life is hard and reminding oneself that other people experience their own hardships can create empathy and understanding within. Thank you for the reminder to pause and appreciate each person.
I love your writing and the perspective you share in this one specifically. Life is hard and reminding oneself that other people experience their own hardships can create empathy and understanding within. Thank you for the reminder to pause and appreciate each person.
I love your writing and the perspective you share in this one specifically. Life is hard and reminding oneself that other people experience their own hardships can create empathy and understanding within. Thank you for the reminder to pause and appreciate each person.
This is incredibly powerful and contains such an important message, Rob. The kind I want to write on a post-it and stick to the fridge for my family to see and absorb as well.
+1! Such a fabulous story and lesson to carry.
I hold it that God dwells in all of us, as us. So looking at another as you point out Rob, and seeing someone who is a part of us, connects us to them and also to the Divine.
Thank you for this contribution to the lens through which I see the world. 🙏❤️
Wonderful, James—I appreciate you.
Thanks so much, Lindsay. I'm writing to absorb it more myself. I really appreciate the thoughtful words.
Gorgeous. And such an important reframing. I am watching the suffering in Gaza, the Sudan, and Congo be ignored and I want the world to practice this philosophy for both those near and far.
Thank you, Noha. Me too.
Rob, wow. I was holding my breath through this whole story. And I always appreciate a good reminder that we never know what's going on in someone else's life. Sometimes it's not a bad person we're encountering, just a person. Having a bad day.
Thank you, Liz. I'm often writing to remind myself.
By the way, I've so appreciated your round-ups in the past few weeks, every night of the convention, and then the debate. Indispensable!
Thank you Rob! I never know if people are reading more for the politics or the personal...but I think it's both!
Well done man. Enjoyed the brevity AND profound depth.
My reflections are somewhat tangential to your point. We're all messes trying to keep it together. All, for the most part, trying to show the world we know something and aren't fallible, mortal, human wrecks just doing our best. It's so easy to rush along and forget that everyone experiences heartache and despair.
Reminds me of the Buddhist parable where the Buddha asks a grieving woman to bring him a mustard seed from a house that has not been touched by death. Obviously she can't, and in that moment sees that everyone experiences tragedy and death. Not just her.
Thank you, Jeremy. Such a wonderful parable. I really appreciate your being here, and leaving such a thoughtful comment.
I'm going to actively take this as a practice for the next few days Rob. "If we knew anything of another’s hardest moments, we’d feel nothing but tenderness toward them. Just knowing that might be enough, without even knowing the specifics of what they’ve dealt with, what they’re currently facing, what lies ahead."
That's amazing to hear. A practice is exactly what it is. I'm constantly forgetting, and then trying to come back to it when I can remember. Would love to know how it goes for you.
It was so amazing how this message was following me yesterday. I saw a clip later that day of Michael Franti in concert, and he said, "There is not a single person in this country you wouldn't love if you knew their story." And then when I was bike-riding yesterday, passing by other cyclists, and pedestrian, and motorists, your statement was present in my attention and palpably changed how I was relating to all these people, so many of whom (I'm embarrassed to say) I automatically judge. I have your thoughts written down and visible on my desk to keep it in front of me right now. So that's how it's going for me!
This all makes me enormously happy.
This was so moving!
Thanks so much, Jess! I so appreciate your being here, and taking the time to read and comment.
This is a beautiful reminder, Rob! So hard to keep foremost in mind as we go about our day, but so worthwhile. Thank you!
Thanks so much, Cherie! I'm always grateful for the read, and to hear from you.
If I was going to curate a first aid bag with medicine for when I'm feeling kind of shitty (and thus sometimes being kind of shitty) I would put this in it, in an easy to reach place. It's so beautiful, thank you for writing and for sharing it.
I can't imagine a better comment to receive than this. Thank you, Sarah.
Gosh Rob you’ve brought me to tears a second time. I want to print this out.
This is so lovely to read, Abigail, thank you.
What an important message. I will make sure to share it with others. You have a real talent, thank you for sharing it with us.
Thanks man, I really appreciate your reading and taking the time to comment. So glad to hear you enjoyed this one.
Dude...this was spectacular. Powerful, beautiful storytelling, and a resonant truth. Well done.
Thanks so much, man. I really appreciate it!
Please keep writing. I've been reading everything on your Substack this weekend.
Also, there is a word for this feeling—Sonder:
The profound feeling of realizing that everyone, including strangers passing in the street, has a life as complex as one's own, which they are constantly living despite one's personal lack of awareness of it.
Oh my, that is so beautiful. Thank you for your tender writing.
I love your writing and the perspective you share in this one specifically. Life is hard and reminding oneself that other people experience their own hardships can create empathy and understanding within. Thank you for the reminder to pause and appreciate each person.
I love your writing and the perspective you share in this one specifically. Life is hard and reminding oneself that other people experience their own hardships can create empathy and understanding within. Thank you for the reminder to pause and appreciate each person.
I love your writing and the perspective you share in this one specifically. Life is hard and reminding oneself that other people experience their own hardships can create empathy and understanding within. Thank you for the reminder to pause and appreciate each person.