There are many ways to help others. Sometimes we just need to figure out which way is best.
On my way to my office this morning, I was met with the agonized cries of a woman in distress. She was across the street, sitting outside the hospital in the Emergency bay, repeating, “Help me! Help me! Help me!” I looked at her, and as our eyes met, she stopped. I felt my heart open up as I acknowledged her. I felt enormous compassion for her as her anguish was palpable.
I was not in a position to take away her pain but I wanted to stop and let her know that I heard her. Mental distress, whatever its source, is very painful.
For a moment in time, I held a stranger’s heart from across the street. I am not sure whether she felt my heart. I hope so. I also hope that she felt better as the day went on.