Carriers of Light

What happens to those stuck in darkness. Some choose to stay, others are trapped by the confines of their own torment. What reward is darkness, what comfort? How as a society is it more comfortable to turn our heads and hearts away from them. All of us have had some introduction or experience into the practice of empathy. Many are taught these lessons through their religious practice and education. Empathy requires ones willingness to place themselves into and understand what a person is experiencing from their perspective. It is not a simple acknowledgment or understanding but a true step into their experience. But we are easy to not step into this place, we even go through great effort at times to avoid it. Maybe we have sat in the same dark place as the other and we were able to move into the light; thus thinking, “I did it so should they be able to do it”. Maybe we think, “They can help themselves if they truly want”. 

The easier, softer response is to pretend we do not notice them, and sometimes that’s okay. However I seem to feel indifferent when others use these responses as an excuse to push people further into the darkness. We are members of the universal family, inexplicably tied to one another. Those who live in the darkness are our brothers and sisters. I challenge you to allow yourself to feel empathy for those who suffer and begin to shed light into the darkness.

B

http://www.ted.com/talks/andrew_solomon_depression_the_secret_we_share?language=en#t-1368064

Why am I private?

Its been awhile since I have written, by choice. Sometimes I am uncertain of what or why I write. I am unsure if anyone cares about what I write or if I even should concern myself with what others think. I started writing this blog really to open myself up, to document, record things that effect me or interest, inspire me. I wanted to create a bridge a place where others could find refuge and I know this happens through the personal messages I receive from you. Everyday I experience something that inspires me to write and share here. This at times is my journal, a look into myself. 

I have recently been spending time contemplating myself and my role in this world. I am complex at times and am uncertain of the path I have chosen to walk. I try at all times to remain humble and self evaluate. I try to protect myself from the true vulnerability I experience on a daily basis. I work at removing the instinctual barriers I display with others. I try to be myself and allow myself to feel a wide range of emotions. These are hard things for me to do but I continue to push myself because I believe this is where I continue to grow. I challenge myself to get out of my comfort zone and experience nervousness and excitement. I continue to engage in speaking opportunities which really makes me feel inadequate and vulnerable. Standing in front of others and speaking is a scary thing for me to do, yet I push myself to grow. 

I don't know why I am scared of what anyone thinks of me, but I am

I don’t know what Im doing…I just keep doing.

Thank You for taking a minute to read this, I am always amazed that anyone cares.

B

Been reading many books lately and making products on my Society6 page Check them out at

http://society6.com/bradleybullock

Shoulders

A man crosses the street in the rain,

Stepping gently, looking two times north and south,

Because his son is asleep on his shoulder.

No car must splash him.

No car drive too near to his shadow.

This man carries the world's most sensitive cargo

But he is not marked.

Nowhere does his jacket say FRAGILE,

HANDLE WITH CARE.

His ear feels up with breathing.

He hears the hum of the boy's dream 

Deep inside him.

We're not going to be able to live in this world 

If we're not willing to do what he's doing 

With one another

The road will be wide

The rain will never stop falling.

-Naomi Shibab Nye