“If we look at the buildings we live and work in, the roads we travel, the clothes we wear, or the food we eat, we must acknowledge that all are provided by others. None would exist for us to enjoy and make use of were it not for the kindness of so many people unknown to us.”
This quote by the Dalai Lama serves as a reminder of the connections among human beings. When we think of connections, many of us think of the people we know, the personal relationships we have with others. Those relationships matter very much. But there’s also the larger interconnection among all people.
The Dalai Lama emphasizes the kindness of the many people who through their work make available the items we need and use. In addition to their kindness, I appreciate their commitment to doing their jobs, many of which require hard labor. An example is the workers who harvest fruits and vegetables whose work involves repetitious movement for several hours each day. Fresh fruit and vegetables are essential to good health and their availability in the stores where we shop is truly a blessing.
The other day I ran several errands. I dropped off some items at a recycling center, returned and picked up items from the library, had the tire pressure checked and adjusted, and went to the grocery store. I noticed the good customer service of the people working at each of the places I went, and I was reminded of the Dalai Lama’s words. I also appreciate the people who work after businesses are closed to stock shelves and do the cleaning, making the spaces nice for those of us who will be there the next day. Most of these “behind-the-scenes” jobs are low-paying, and yet they are essential.
It can be easy to take things for granted. It’s words such as those of the Dalai Lama that help us remember to appreciate and be thankful for our many blessings and for the many people unknown to us that make them possible.