Where are We?

Where are we? Seemingly, this is a very simple question with a very simple answer. We, are here, on this earth in the year 2017. Simple, right? In a broad reaching, overall view, I suppose it is. Of course there is a need to dive in just a bit deeper. Three words, with a multitude of meaning for each based on context, inflection and surroundings. Maybe, if we all stop and try to answer this simple, yet so very complicated question for ourselves we might find ourselves with a much clearer understanding of one another.

To me the most important part of this question is the shortest word of the bunch, WE. Before we can ask “Where are we” we must first be able to define “Who are we”? I prefer to think broadly and narrow in my focus. This global view often makes things easier to digest. We are human. We are creatures, regardless of how you feel we got here, who are here, on this planet, together. We share this one space with one another. We share this one space with all the birds, and fish and land walkers. We share this space with all the trees, and bushes and grasses. We share this space with the oceans, and rivers and streams. As Stevie Wonder (and 36 of his fellow humans) once put it, We are the World. So, WE are hurling through space at 1,000 miles per hour around a star that is 5 billion years old and set to burn out in another 5 billion years. And if life was perfect, there wouldn’t be much need to take WE down any more specifically than that. To do so seems to create so many problems. As we dive in deeper ego, or pride, or nationality start to take hold, and the division begins. WE share a common history. WE share a common bond. WE have found a way as a species to get to HERE. So, where are we?

Likely, as I even said before, I should just leave it there, at this broad reaching, overall view, and move on. Unfortunately (or fortunately), we don’t live that way; so I can’t help but go in a little deeper. Let’s look at this question, from a stand point of several different points of view. After all, isn’t the best way to learn listening to those who know more than we? And who knows more about US than US. I decided to listen to the stories of my fellow humans and understand where THEY are, right now.

I asked my Facebook friends (yes, not as wide reaching of an audience as I would like to have access to. It’s a start), to help. This is what I said:

“Forgive me for this VERY odd request (FYI I like being odd). I have been inspired as of late to again put pen to page and let some thoughts go into my writing. For my first endeavor I want to get some of my Facebook friends to help. If you feel so inclined to share with me your thoughts I would greatly appreciate it. I WILL NOT BE SHARING YOUR NAME when I put this all together.

So, to make it simple, Private Message me with your responses please.

Tell me, right now, WHERE ARE YOU?

This can be physically, spiritually, emotionally or any combination of the above. This can be personally, or globally. Political or not political.

Like I said, odd. And thank you all.”

And these were some of the replies…

---

WE ARE HURTING

Where am I? I am in pain, in my office, wondering how we got here. How did we get to a point where hate rules the headlines? How did we get to a point where love seems to get pushed aside? Love isn’t gone. It is here, every day. I feel it. Those around me feel it. I’m sure people from all across the world feel it in their own way. It has to be the strongest emotion we know. Yet hate gets the front page. I want to love. I want to end people’s hurt. And I feel lost because I don’t know how I can. Who am I? What power do I really have to end this? Sometimes, I feel like I have none. Most of the times, I feel like I have none. And that just leaves me feeling…helpless.

WE ARE LOST

Where am I???? I am lost.... I just took on more work in an effort to expand. I guess you could call round a shape but I've lost any edge to stay fit.

I'm in my mid 40’s and out of shape and about to have another kid...

I hate politics because I believe anyone that is on one side or another simply chooses hate.

Where am I?? I am lost...

WE ARE LONELY

I’m at the beach with my beautiful children. On the surface I am as happy as I’ve ever been to get this time with them. And inside, I am lonely for true companionship.

WE ARE APATHETIC

Where am I? Exactly where I've always been…a persnickety, unmotivated, self centered, apathetic, ambivalent, atheist who is probably messing up my kids.

WE ARE HERE

I’m in…Leesburg, VA…Litchfield Beach, SC…Seattle, WA…Greenville, SC…Houston, TX…Birmingham, AL…Baton Rouge, LA…Belize…Germany…France…Qatar…Los Angeles. CA…Brooklyn, NY…

WE ARE CONFUSED

This whole social and political madness that is happening right now has me completely sad and torn. Sad because, well, it’s fucking sad. I don’t think I need to elaborate there. Torn because I truly don’t know what the right response is. Like you, I’m trying hard to listen to everyone.

Of course, I’m limited to my social network and the extensions that go along with that, work network, and family, which is obviously not a fully represented group by any stretch. But I do listen. I read way too many “arguments” between the two sides, of which I align with neither. And when I listen to some of the more sensible voices amongst them, I actually kind-of see how each side has had their perceptions created, skewed as they may be. At least, sometimes I think that I kind-of see that... but, then I hear some more crazy shit and, I don’t know what to think any more. Am I just dumber than I think I am? Is it all crystal clear to them, and just way too complicated for me? Shit.

But when I listen, I hear the cries of those whose hearts and intentions are seemingly pure. I hear them asking for me to step up. Silence is acceptance; “do something,” they say. “Say something.” I just don’t know. What do I say? Do I just copy and paste something that sounds good to me? Is that what I need to do? Do I write something of my own? On social media? Is that really doing something? And if I do, what if it sounds like some privileged white dude trying to put himself above everyone else by (supposedly) being more loving and accepting than everyone else? What if, in my attempt to show empathy, compassion and love, I come across as an asshole? I sure as hell don’t want to do that. Of course, I don’t really WANT to sit back and watch it unfold, and hope for the best either. But what do I do? Where do I put it on my list of priorities? How much time, energy and expense should I go to “to make a difference”? Man, I’m open to some ideas…

WE ARE HOME

I am physically, spiritually and emotionally in Punta Gorda Belize. After visiting last October I KNEW this is where I needed to be. Not wanted to be but needed to be. I felt as if I had finally come home. Nothing here is easy; nothing here is convenient; nothing here is predictable. Nothing except my peace of mind and a restoring of my soul. It's a relaxed life of good food, beautiful scenery, and really accepting people. After several years of loss: loss of loved ones and most importantly loss of myself; I had to try to find me again. I have caring friends and wonderful family in the States, but had no idea who I was. My spirit is being renewed in ways I didn't even know I needed. The path to where I am now has been one that not everyone understands or accepts. And that's ok - I get it. But in the end it's not their journey - it's mine. And I'm at peace finally. I've always been happy because only I can make myself happy. I'm finally moving forward on this trek through life instead of standing still. It's a great life!

WE ARE DISHEARTENED

Personally and professionally I’m very happy. Politically I’m very disheartened by our country. I don't believe Trump caused it but he sure isn't helping it. The issues have been present and I doubt in my life time I will see an end to the hatred among the various groups. The pettiness if some people completely overlooks the much bigger issues we all face. I have always been a believer in taking care if your own backyard. We don't do very at this as a country. While I believe in everyone's right to freedom of speech I don't condone violence. The recent events in VA I could agree we're at fault by many on both sides. In the end no one won. But it's really not about winning is it. I could go on and on like so many but you get the gist of it. You write and put things out there so eloquently I can't even come close. Thanks for the opportunity.

WE ARE AT OUR LIMIT

Where am I...I'm at my limit with understanding how anyone with half a brain in their head can continue to support our imbecile in chief! My friends with a full brain in their head make me scratch my head even harder. What's going on?

You know what would be awesome? I wish GOP supporters would stop thinking that if you call out Trump’s craziness, it means you are a democrat. Can't you say you disagree with something he does or says without being a democrat. I feel like they are so scared that those equate with one another that they are allowing crazy. They need to understand that you can object to absurdity and still be a GOP member or supporter. That's part of our problem right now. Smart people are afraid to stand up and say WTF to his absurd statements and behavior for fear that others will then think they are Hilary supporters. We have to get past this idea. Smart people need to be responsible and say when things are nuts. You can keep your conservative identity, because if this guy really does stand for what you believe, you're a big part of the entire problem.

WE ARE CONTEMPLATIVE

Here is where I am: If I knew I couldn't fail, would I make the same decision today?

WE ARE US

I’m at work. My employer considers me "on the clock." I think I've been on the clock since I got home from vacation because I've been "on call" for the past 48 days. I am also "in school" for the fourth straight semester (a spiritual accomplishment for this guy), and "on" the dean’s list for a third straight semester. I am "in" recovery (clean and sober) for the 1,618th day (another spiritual milestone). I am on my current spiritual battle. I am in the weight room, off the bike, out of the water, off the road. I am in my own house, no longer in my parents basement, my name is “on” the mortgage. I am currently on Facebook and Twitter. I am off instagram, off pinterest, never been on snapchat.

WE ARE PARENTS

Where I am...

I'm a wreck! Dropped my son at school 9 hours away on Monday and taking my daughter Friday. This is the hardest thing I've ever faced. Losing loved ones to death is different...and yet similar. On the other hand I'm excited for what lies ahead for each of them! Odd...

WE ARE STRONG

I'm at my desk. I'm checking my blood pressure. It's low for me. I'm tired.

I'm blessed but dear lord I hate that phrase.

I weigh too much I feel it in every step I take. It consumes me so much more than it should. I'm strong. I'm smiling through tears.

WE ARE ALONE

Where am I?

In my car. On the side of a dirt road. Watching the sun set over a place I’ve never seen before.

I have found that I enjoy meeting people. I enjoy any and all conversation. I enjoy making "friends".

At the same time, I do not want to be around anyone that I know. I do not want to converse with anyone I know. I do not want to be a friend, or have friends.

I believe humanity is on the, or at least a, decline. This comment could be more about America going the way of the Romans, but it is intended as a global issue. The world as you and I know it will cease to exist within the next 100 years.

That is...the vast majority of plants and animals will no longer exist. Sports that we are involved in will no longer exist. Nations as we know them will no longer exist. Freedom, individuality, purpose...these will no longer exist.

I believe I would have been the worst kind of parent or adult figure. One of the best decisions I have ever made was to not have children. I believe everything I have been involved with in the past has had a net negative impact on the people whose lives I touched. I believe, moving forward, the same will continue. Therefore it is best that I limit my contact with people.

I fear that every step I take will be my last. That some part of my body will decide to stop functioning or at least malfunction. I go for hikes and bike rides less because they are enjoyable and more because one day, perhaps beginning today, I will never again be able to do those things.

I believe I have hurt everyone I have been close to. I believe, if asked, people would say nice things about me. But if pressed, they would all come around to agreeing the world is a better place without me in it.

WE ARE SEARCHING

Where am I? I'd say not yet figuring out what I'm supposed to do with my life and it leaves me frustrated. That's usually where you can find me.

WE ARE SCARED

I’m in a new town, at a new job that I feel woefully unprepared for second guessing myself yet trusting God has sent me here for a reason.

WE ARE MISUNDERSTOOD

Here is where I am…I am a white, Christian male who understands my life has been granted certain privileges not given inherently to those of other races, or genders, or sexual orientations, or religions. I understand that one step forward for me equates to two, or three or more steps needed by someone else unlike me to get to the same spot. And I also understand that things on the street level just aren’t as dire as all media outlets and social media makes them out to be. Of course we all hate anyone who judges another because of who they are. That just makes us normal. To suggest that I hate simply because I am not buying into the hysteria is simply wrong. The far left has those who incite and sling hate speech just as much as the far right. And they BOTH suck. Most of us live here in the middle. Each of us might slant a bit toward one side or the other but we all live together, here, where I sit, in the middle. Wanting everyone to have a fair shake. Wanting everyone to live out their dreams. Wanting everyone to have a CHANCE to make it, and to be better than they were yesterday.

So where am I? I am here, punching the clock, living the American dream, loving my children and my wife. I am here wanting to love everyone. I am here wanting everyone to see we can, and should, disagree and talk about it and find common ground that leads to action to make the world a better place for everyone person put here. And I am here hoping that those who are different than me let me be me, no matter if we slant away from opposites of the middle.

---

My hope, and not just for those of us who connected through this odd request, is we are one measurable step closer to one another than we were before. But where was that? How do we know if we are closer if we had no barometer to start with? We don’t. All we can know is we have to keep pushing forward. We have to fight for what is right where we are, right now, by any means we have access to. Are we doing enough? No. Not one of us is capable of fixing what is broken. And sadly, not even hundreds of thousands of us banded together are strong enough to end hate, to end pain, to end suffering. We, as humans, will always feel, and even seek out the suffering. For suffering is the human experience. Suffering isn’t just a symptom of things being broken. Suffering is a way to mend what is broken. It is the catalyst to remind us that things must change, NOW. And in the suffering of others, especially through the suffering of masses of our fellow humans, we find direction. We cannot dismiss suffering as a painful reminder of who we once were. Graham Nash said it best, “Don’t let the past remind us of what we are not now”. For to do so robs another human of their very human experience. To do so steals humanity from the grips of those so desperately clinging to feel human. To feel normal. To be accepted. Instead, we MUST remind ourselves how others have suffered. We must remind ourselves that we all suffer, in our own unique ways and that very suffering is the very thing that makes us all the same.

So, where are we? I’m not certain I really know more than when I started. One thing I do know is that we seem to all be hurting, and we seem to be woefully unequipped to share that pain. We seem even more woefully unprepared to turn that pain into progress. What I do know is that beneath our toughened exteriors we all have a shadow that seems to overwhelm us, and sometimes, consume us. And no matter what we look like on the outside, we are all the same beneath the cloaks we drape around as we head into the world, hoping no one notices who we are underneath. It’s time we remove our cloaks. It’s time we own who we are, and realize every one of us is owning their own journey. It’s time we open the door toward understanding and welcome every soul that walks the Earth, home.

Thank you, to every person who was brave enough to share these thoughts with me. My journey has been changed by every one of you. I love you all.

BACK TO HOME