One of my favorite morning activities when I visit Spain is watching the fishing boats on the calm Mediterranean waters at sunrise. Each boat casts its lines into the gentle waves as the fishermen patiently await their catch. By afternoon, some boats return to the market filled with fresh fish, while others return empty-handed. I often catch myself thinking that if the ocean had the power to choose, it would share its gifts equally among every boat on the water. But the ocean cannot distribute its own abundance; that responsibility has been entrusted to us.
In the earliest chapters of our human story, sharing was second nature. We divided the fruits of the land with our fellow beings, ensuring our communities stayed alive and bonded together. Over time, however, we have drifted toward polarization and individualism—creating a world where vast wealth gathers in the hands of a few, while so many go without. I have often wished that Mother Nature had retained the power to distribute her bounties directly, for under her care, no child or neighbor would ever go to bed hungry.
Yet, even in our modern world, remarkable glimmers of our true human nature continue to shine through. In the aftermath of catastrophic disasters in Japan—such as the major tsunami—communities demonstrated a breathtaking spirit of selfless harmony. Rather than hoarding what little survived, neighbors left their doors unlocked, placing whatever food and supplies they had near their entrances. Families would walk quietly to a neighbor’s home to take only what they needed to complete a simple meal for the evening, leaving the rest for someone else in need. In the face of total devastation, trust, compassion, and shared dignity became their greatest strength.
This beautiful example reminds us of what is possible when we remember our interconnectedness and fulfill the duty of sharing that Mother Nature has placed upon us. When we care for one another, everybody wins.
The question is, how can we all emulate the deeply humanistic spirit of the Japanese in our daily lives? We are surrounded by countless people in need... how can we become ever mindful of their plight so we can turn our compassion into action, light up their world, and restore the spirit of sharing in our own communities? ©️ Amyn Dahya
Have a blessed week ahead, my dear friends, graced with peace, happiness, and abundance...
Amyn Dahya