On the heels of last month's tragic Boston Marathon and the national debate around gun violence, many people are feeling worn out by the repetition of the same tragic storyline. This event, like all of the others, raises questions that seem impossible to answer: what drives an individual to commit acts of carnage? What prevents people from living harmoniously? These questions are all the more confusing during Teacher Appreciation Month, a time to reflect on and practice gratitude for the people who have taught us and have invested in the health and well-being of children.
Unfortunately, today we seem to be losing touch with these important lessons, just as we seem to be losing touch with each other. Indeed, many of us are living out the paradox of being ever more plugged in, and ever more aware of what's happening in our community via social media platforms, while at the same time, face-to-face interactions are less frequent than ever before.
Apparently, we must redouble our efforts and pledge to do more to reignite compassion. But how? What is required from each one of us in order to start building the safe, nurturing communities we all desire?
How about a ball pit?
True, that is probably the last thing people would think of; however, the folks at the YouTube channel SoulPancake figure a ball pit is exactly what's required. Their video Take a Seat-Make a Friend? encourages people to get into a ball pit with a complete stranger. As one might imagine, there is some awkwardness at first as people sink into the their places. But the fact that they are in a ball pit helps to break the ice as most pairs begin sharing previous ball pit experiences.
The real genius to the set-up, though, is that the folks at SoulPancake have printed questions on the balls for people to ask each other: what's on your bucket list? who inspires you? and "when was the first time you fell in love" are just a few examples. While the answers to these questions differ, the underlying point is difficult to miss--we might be strangers, but we share experiences. And, once we are reminded of our shared experience, empathy becomes that much more likely, especially when talking face-to-face. Not to mention that it also becomes easier for the two strangers to create their own secret handshake.
While this video serves as a powerful reminder to view others with magnanimity, perhaps some will say it is a bit too whimsical. It's a fun little sidewalk diversion, but ultimately not helpful for tackling the more difficult task of establishing a community. In that case, watch The Helping Hand-a story by Z. Murphy & L. Kranen and see how strangers make a difference in the life of a young boy and others like him.
This video introduces us to Daniel, a curious, playful boy who was born with one arm "much shorter than the other." While Daniel is not presented as a victim to feel sorry for, it is clear this birth defect affects his quality of life. Enter the engineers.
Two students from the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology meet with Daniel to work out a design for a prosthetic device. Their goal is to help Daniel, and those with similar problems, live fuller lives. At the end of the video, we see a room full of people who have taken part in this process, including Daniel and his family. Daniel's sister sums up the importance of the moment, remarking on how powerful it was to see the gathering of this community.
Sometimes, after all, it just takes opening our eyes-- seeing, observing--to understand
how we can act compassionately. To understand how a small act of kindness can make a difference in somebody's life. The video Kindness Boomerang-"One Day" conveys this perfectly.
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