This goes back to a conversation that I had with a friend, at 2am, in the “powder room” of a Japanese ofuro. We were staying at a traditional Japanese inn, or ryokan, during our trip to the snow festival in Hokkaido. We were talking about our dreams, our concerns, but we were also talking about people and our responsibility of reaching out to them. Then I told her that not everyone has a high moral conscience to care about others. Not everyone actively works to ensure that the emotional well-being of others are acknowledged and heard. She’s not working for sainthood or a medal of honor; she’s concerned enough to make sure others are emotionally well. And her concerns brought me back to my reality and my world and the philosophical concerns I have.
I have tried to reach out to others, not because I am religiously driven, but because of an idealist commitment. I want to be a good person and a good friend, so I strive to be a good listener. Being a good listener helps me figure what my friends are worried about, so I can (more…)
