Tie Knots Everyday
We’re not wired for uncertainty. But in the last two weeks, not only has Los Angeles burned to the ground, our future as a city feels completely uncertain. Even if your house didn’t burn down, even if you didn’t lose everything you own, this has introduced you to a degree of uncertainty that most people have never experienced.
When we’re faced with this level of uncertainty, we look to find it outside of ourselves. This might give us temporary reassurance that we live in a predictable universe. We don’t. Ask yourself after the last fire has been put out: do you feel any reassurance that they won’t come back?
There’s nothing about the outside world that will give us a sense of security. We have to create it from within. The most direct and powerful way we can achieve this is by giving to others, particularly when we expect nothing back. This has nothing to do with outcomes or results. In fact, your personal needs are put aside – even life itself. We saw this happen when literally thousands of people gave up what they needed, to focus on those around them. It was inspiring and astounding.
So what can you do?
Tie knots. Tie many, many knots.
We are all connected. And when we encounter another person, we can either deepen this connection or detract from it. Think of every interaction like tying a knot along a string. The knot is what holds us together. Even though you’re talking to one person, on another level you’re talking to everybody. When you do this a million times, you’re laying the groundwork for the most powerful force in the universe. Love.
So go ahead. Shovel your neighbor’s driveway, even though you don’t have time to shovel your own. Stop and give directions to a stranger when you’re running late for an appointment. Smile at the person passing you on the sidewalk, even if you’re tired. Don’t create an interaction because you have the time, or because the person is ‘important’. Do it for the sake of doing it. And don’t ever stop.
Phil
