When You Can Do Good, Do Good!

    How observant are you? Well, I thought I was an observant human, until a 2-D class instructor changed my perspective. Kai pointed out that artists (working artists) are observers. They notice things that other people don't. I began to look intentionally and noticed a lot I had originally missed.
    Just like writers. A writer can hit a nerve because they saw something, something innocuous that the rest of society misses, and when they share their viewpoint--nerve hit!
    Being observant requires that we look outside our selves, our phones, our televisions, and see what is really happening around us. Look into faces, meet their gaze, smile. 
    Our prevailing culture is preoccupied with ourselves. Trust me when I say this is not an exclusive trait. It's not just the Western hemisphere that is guilty of this self-absorbed lifestyle. It is not just one certain generation displaying this tendency. It does not belong to an a singular politico. It is not tied to specific ideology. It is not economically indicative. We are all, ( let me be specific...ALL), preoccupied with ourselves. 
    Now, I have not excluded myself from this malady. As an artist and a writer I can get lost in how my work is perceived, received, or rejected; instead of being lost in the process of sharing my expression.
    Take a moment, reflect on what's weighing on you. Right now. Just take a moment. No spiraling allowed. Even if we are concerned about someone else it is usually in relation to ourselves---how it will affect us, etc... Okay, stop reflecting.
    Let's decide to observe. Look up, look outward to those you pass. Smile or nod. Show them you see them. 
    You. See. Them. You, see them.
    If the person you notice has a nametag, use their name. Hearing our name from someone else can have the same effect as a caress, a hug. Kindness does not cost a single cent, but can be invaluable to the recipient. Give it lavishly.
    If there is a need you become aware of and can fill it, then fill it!! No, you do not have to wait for someone who is more qualified, wealthier, or that has more time than you do. If you have the means to lighten someone's load, remove a burden, bring a smile into their eyes; then do it.
   When you can do good, do good.

Ciao for now,
-Trish