Alignment.

Related Reading
​
​Hurricane Harvey ~ A Message Of Hope
Heart Of Texas ~ #HoustonStrong
​Open Letter ~ Dear Mother Nature: 
Re-Building: Our Human Essence. ​
The Heart's Hajj. 
The Pilgrim's Feet 
Recovery
Human Morality: DACA Day 
Reflection: Houston's Courage 
Prayer For Healing 

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As I close my eyes and drift away to a land where there is love, health, peace, and blessings. I wanted to take the time to think and reflect. 

     The truth is that while I was in Houston volunteering, fellow volunteers would often ask me where I was from. I replied the U.K. Some would ask what my ethnic back ground was, I replied: Azad Kashmir, Pakistan. Some would ask where do you live, I told them where I lived. Some would ask me why I was here in Houston, I replied because Houston is very special to me. I began to take the time to analyze my responses. 

    This is the thing about life, we are never restricted to the place we are born, or where we live. It is our human relationships, bonds, and attachments to place, and person that contribute to shape who we are. I realized the importance of the attachment to place while I was in Houston. When we are attached to land, we feel this deep sense of belonging. For the first time I was not fighting for the very values that I cherish. It was a good feeling, because everyone around me was serving for the same purpose, and the very same values that I cherish. This is the beauty of finding this alignment or person with place. Our actions match our beliefs and thoughts. What a wonderful feeling it is not to have any cognitive dissonance affect or impact the self.

     The people around me regardless of what job, title they held were volunteering for the exact same purpose. We were equals. This thought reminded me of being a mother. When we are blessed with more than one child in a family, as parents we have to take care that all children are treated fairly and equally. Similar to that of a classroom setting, where as educators we don't want to show favouritism, because all children deserve equal access to service. This is where there must be a fine balance. We have to recognize that children are unique in their own sense, but are also equals. This is referred to as the principle of equality. Even though there are differences to be found, the difference is to be loved, respected, also remember equality as well. 

   We can use these human principles in a professional setting, but they are actually very helpful if they are used for practical daily living as well. No parent wants to say to a child, I love you more than the other. In fact there is a great biblical lesson that we can also employ here. This is the story of Joseph. He was thrown into the pit by his brothers, because Jacob their father loved Joseph more. This is no fault of Joseph, he suffered because of the envy from his siblings. Joseph's story and life does end in uprising, however this story also has a lesson about the idea of equality.

     I think that a great idea of equality and unity is beautifully demonstrated as we see all 5 of the past American living Presidents unite for the One America Appeal in the wake of Hurricane Harvey which will also extend to those on the path of Irma. This initiative is very inspiring as it models how Presidents or even people of differing political views can come together to put the health and well being of their nation first. With the common and equal goal of love for country, which has united them. I was personally inspired to see this happen, while I too may have argued or do hold an opposing view upon a political level, when it comes to our core values, beliefs, or even political view it is all because of love of nation.

     At a time where there is fragility, sensitivity, we must seek to raise the morale of people and lift each other. At this moment it does not matter where individuals are from, immigrant or non - immigrant, or whatever citizenship status. At this moment in time, immigrant, non - immigrant, or whatever citizenship status was there to assist each other through difficulty. Serving and loving one another. We all know that rules and regulations are in place, but we must never forget that rules and regulations are human made, socially constructed. 

     When we are at a point of survival, survival is what matters. This is also where leadership is enacted to lift and boost the morale of the people, not shove it and say you don't belong here (these thoughts are in reference to the DACA program). Everyone is looking out for each other. Here again we can employ the human principle of equality. Regardless of who or why a person is here, everyone came together for the purpose of helping each other. For the love of humanity. For the health and well - being of their fellow humans. 

Dedication: The words of this being remain with the people of Houston, surrounding areas, and Texas. To all on the paths of the Hurricanes, stay safe. May there be healing and recovery. My thoughts to share with love & kindness. 

Notes: These thoughts were originally hand - written on September 9th, 2017.
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