A Holy Place

A Holy Place

To listen to vulnerabilities of others

@Seema

When I scroll through my Instagram or Facebook feed and come across interesting quotes, I save.

Some days back, I came across a quote that was so touching. It gave me goosebumps, and I saved it. Let me share:

“When people allow you to know about their pain and talk about it, take your shoes off. It is a holy place. Be humble, be kind.” — Amani Albair

I totally agree. This is where I want to take my shoes off and push aside my other works, to listen to the person. If you ask me to visit some random temple, I might not go, but here, I will linger.

And I’m not just saying it for the sake of saying it — I have done that.

Many years ago, I was a student at a university. On my way back home, I would wait at the metro station in the basement of the campus.

An old man often sat on that bench, and we talked on two occasions. In our second conversation, he opened up about going through severe depression. He shared how he doesn't speak to his family for months, how his mind turns foggy, and how difficult life seems.

After hearing about his sincere vulnerability, I felt compelled to sit there and listen, even though I had to go home, to study, to practice my programming.

The metro train came, and he left, but I felt like I should’ve stayed longer. I never saw him again.

Listen to people. Don’t say you don’t have time. My parents, while not perfect, welcomed people, who came to share their problems.

Rising up the socioeconomic ladder seems like the goal, but that is not right. It’s just the lie of the society.

Being there for other people is the true meaning of humanity.

You may not gain anything material from it, but you will feel good about yourself. Your self-esteem will be high.

So, do that. Listen to people, if they share their pains.

Of course, people who share should also be honest about their own mistakes. If they’re just wasting our time, that’s not good either.

Share your views.