Well, I wouldn’t say I don’t worry,
because do. But, my basic needs have
always somehow been met and I’m so
grateful. I’ve always had enough to eat,
clean water to drink, and I’ve alway felt
pretty safe. I don’t take these things for
granted.
I haven’t ever gone without my basic physical needs being met but can’t say that is true of my emotional needs. And, as for worry, I’ve spent way to much time in my life worrying mostly about things I’ve come to see don’t matter at all!
Food. Heat and electricity. Medical care, as needed. Family/Companionship/Friendship. Wonderful teachers, from kindergarten to Seminary. Such gifts, and I am utterly grateful!
Shelter over my head with seasonal comforts. Food. Water. Clothing,. Accessible medical care. Others near by, as I don’t live in isolation. And a connection to the Divine within me. My needs have always been provided, and I’ve worked for them too over the years since childhood.
My basic needs are all taken care of and I have no major worries. I live in the realm of simplicity but at times a few of my wants get filled. It is all very amazing!
This is a good question to ponder.
As I grew up in a more developed time than my mom and dad, I’ve never had to worry about food. That’s something I’m grateful for. My parents grew up during the time just after the Vietnam War. My mother’s family, and everywhere in the South of the country, didn’t have enough food to eat. The older ones would save food for the younger ones. So, I’m grateful for never experiencing hunger for days on end like my previous generations.
My Ngoc, I’ve heard many stories from my parents about people from that generation too where their dads were in the military and moms looked after their 8 or so children.
I have had the good fortune of being born in the United States. I have always had food, shelter, clean water and electricity. As a child my parents struggled but I was never hungry. In my 40’s I went to Somalia for 10 months on a humanitarian mission. I learned there that I was a privileged woman…I was very Blessed to be a woman born in the U.S. and not Somalia where woman were treated worse than the donkeys- and they had a horrible life. In Somalia; I did not have clean water to bathe in- nor was water available to the people. We did not have good food nor did we have electricity on a regular basis (we had a generator that was on for a few hours each day). I was a nurse in a hospital without running water- and I worked in the Operating Room…no water or electricity…life was and is not easy for the Somali people. I have all I need every single day of my life…indeed I am Blessed.
My Ngoc, These young kids who whine on tiktok over paying taxes in the US and wanting to move to Europe can learn something here from the people on this website. Problems exist everywhere we go.
Over 20 years ago I was first exposed to Br. David’s philosophy of gratefulness in his talk about water. He shared how we took it for granted; yet many others couldn’t get it or worse, it would harm or blind them. I still reflect on how priviledged I am. Like many others of us, I have had all of my basic needs met and more. Every flick of the light and clack of the keys is a reminder. I am grateful and compelled to try and be of service because I have been so gifted.
I’ve never wanted for food, water or shelter. Always earned money, owned a car. I’ve never been involuntarily out of work. I am grateful for all that’s been given.
A roof over my head.
Enough food.
Clean water at my fingertips.
Choices in my life.
Living in a free society, although as a woman, not as free as men. I don’t feel as secure in this as I once did.
Being loved by someone.
Feeling I can count on me, and yes, at times I have had to work myself there. Knock on wood, I have been able to do so.
Self-empowerment.
Mary, Your words remind me of a comments from my mentor :”You have always been there for you.” and “There is a part of you that has never been afraid.”
The basic need to be able to live free from bombs raining down, marauding armies full of rage and violence. I am fortunate to have been given life in the USA and not in the Sudan, Gaza, Ukraine, Rwanda, and many other places too numerous to mention. So much suffering and misery. Mans inhumanity towards humanity, can bring a tear to my eye.
Joseph, having that goes a long ways. It’s easier to develop inner peace. The last thing we need is constantly having to get up, run, and be uncertain about where we’ll be the next moment.
Sadly, so true. I often find myself humming the song “Love can build a Bridge.” The chorus goes “Love can build a bridge between your heart and mine. Love can build a bridge. Don’t ya’ think it’s time, don’t ya’ think it’s time?” We need bridges not bombs.
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I am grateful that I never lacked the basic needs of food, shelter and love. I consider my life a gift in that way, and one I do not take for granted.
Well, I wouldn’t say I don’t worry,
because do. But, my basic needs have
always somehow been met and I’m so
grateful. I’ve always had enough to eat,
clean water to drink, and I’ve alway felt
pretty safe. I don’t take these things for
granted.
I haven’t ever gone without my basic physical needs being met but can’t say that is true of my emotional needs. And, as for worry, I’ve spent way to much time in my life worrying mostly about things I’ve come to see don’t matter at all!
Food. Heat and electricity. Medical care, as needed. Family/Companionship/Friendship. Wonderful teachers, from kindergarten to Seminary. Such gifts, and I am utterly grateful!
Shelter over my head with seasonal comforts. Food. Water. Clothing,. Accessible medical care. Others near by, as I don’t live in isolation. And a connection to the Divine within me. My needs have always been provided, and I’ve worked for them too over the years since childhood.
Clean water, electricity, a safe roof over my head, food, and love.
My basic needs are all taken care of and I have no major worries. I live in the realm of simplicity but at times a few of my wants get filled. It is all very amazing!
This is a good question to ponder.
Yram, I’m very happy for you. I feel the same way having both my career and love life established.
As I grew up in a more developed time than my mom and dad, I’ve never had to worry about food. That’s something I’m grateful for. My parents grew up during the time just after the Vietnam War. My mother’s family, and everywhere in the South of the country, didn’t have enough food to eat. The older ones would save food for the younger ones. So, I’m grateful for never experiencing hunger for days on end like my previous generations.
My Ngoc, I’ve heard many stories from my parents about people from that generation too where their dads were in the military and moms looked after their 8 or so children.
I have had the good fortune of being born in the United States. I have always had food, shelter, clean water and electricity. As a child my parents struggled but I was never hungry. In my 40’s I went to Somalia for 10 months on a humanitarian mission. I learned there that I was a privileged woman…I was very Blessed to be a woman born in the U.S. and not Somalia where woman were treated worse than the donkeys- and they had a horrible life. In Somalia; I did not have clean water to bathe in- nor was water available to the people. We did not have good food nor did we have electricity on a regular basis (we had a generator that was on for a few hours each day). I was a nurse in a hospital without running water- and I worked in the Operating Room…no water or electricity…life was and is not easy for the Somali people. I have all I need every single day of my life…indeed I am Blessed.
Thank you so much forsharing your experience to us.
My Ngoc, These young kids who whine on tiktok over paying taxes in the US and wanting to move to Europe can learn something here from the people on this website. Problems exist everywhere we go.
Over 20 years ago I was first exposed to Br. David’s philosophy of gratefulness in his talk about water. He shared how we took it for granted; yet many others couldn’t get it or worse, it would harm or blind them. I still reflect on how priviledged I am. Like many others of us, I have had all of my basic needs met and more. Every flick of the light and clack of the keys is a reminder. I am grateful and compelled to try and be of service because I have been so gifted.
I echo your beautifully expressed sentiments, Avril. Thank you.
Shelter, food, electric, water
I have everything I need to live my life gratefully. Food, clothing, shelter, a warm bed, running water, healthcare, love, friendship.
I’ve never wanted for food, water or shelter. Always earned money, owned a car. I’ve never been involuntarily out of work. I am grateful for all that’s been given.
A roof over my head.
Enough food.
Clean water at my fingertips.
Choices in my life.
Living in a free society, although as a woman, not as free as men. I don’t feel as secure in this as I once did.
Being loved by someone.
Feeling I can count on me, and yes, at times I have had to work myself there. Knock on wood, I have been able to do so.
Self-empowerment.
Mary, Your words remind me of a comments from my mentor :”You have always been there for you.” and “There is a part of you that has never been afraid.”
Beautiful written! Thank your so much!
The basic need to be able to live free from bombs raining down, marauding armies full of rage and violence. I am fortunate to have been given life in the USA and not in the Sudan, Gaza, Ukraine, Rwanda, and many other places too numerous to mention. So much suffering and misery. Mans inhumanity towards humanity, can bring a tear to my eye.
Joseph, having that goes a long ways. It’s easier to develop inner peace. The last thing we need is constantly having to get up, run, and be uncertain about where we’ll be the next moment.
Sadly, so true. I often find myself humming the song “Love can build a Bridge.” The chorus goes “Love can build a bridge between your heart and mine. Love can build a bridge. Don’t ya’ think it’s time, don’t ya’ think it’s time?” We need bridges not bombs.