Two Guys, Two Gurus
by Nan Star
A sun-filled day lured me to my private backyard with green grass and a large redwood tree. Four-foot-high rose bushes, evenly spaced along the fence line, separates me from the rest of the world, creating the illusion of living in an oasis.
My peaceful state was abruptly interrupted and my attention halted by the sound of bicycles riding up the alley. I peeked through the gaps in the fence posts. Two guys, sunken faces, stopped directly across from my view. They pulled up, got off their bikes, and sat down in front of the neighbor’s garage. The neighbor had no idea.
I watched as a small bag was passed, fire lit, a rubber tube in view to tie off the arm, and a needle injected. After the injections, the guys laid back and moaned. Heroin. A hope for nirvana, an escape from the present.
Those guys, just like me, are in search of a state of awe, being full of love, light, and gratitude.
I continued to stare through the fence, I could not look away.
These two guys reminded me of the addictive longing that so easily consumes hours, days, and years of life. They reminded me that addiction is everywhere within our culture. It is often less noticeable and more acceptable when acted out in relationships, food choices, and routines, in comparison to sticking a needle in your arm.
My heart rate increased as I felt a sudden fear, a naked exposure. I asked myself, “Am I a fake pretending my sober ambitions of serenity are so different? Perhaps I am just like them in my search for meaning? Does judgment prevent me from seeing connectivity?”
I briefly forgot which side of the fence I was on.
We all want to feel happy. It is the fence that separates us, in this case, it is a real barrier.
The purpose is the journey. As cliche as it sounds, we all end in the same place.
Illuminated lessons from two unexpected gurus:
Self-discipline
Pursuing what you know is right despite temptation; hope and perseverance
Intention
Having a vision, aim, or plan that is not fixed so you can change direction and still be lead by your compass
Acceptance
What are you willing to accept and what do you need to let go?
Strength through Humility
Laugh at yourself; admit you don’t know stuff; learn from unexpected people and events
Courage
To change the things you can
These two weathered men from the other side of the fence are a reminder, that we are all a reflection of one another.
