What if the homeless gave you money?

[shadowstalker]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oZvYvOkqxA8

[giovonni]

Interesting video ... As the brother says that's LA ... Which really doesn't surprise me so much.
Perhaps might have been more revealing to have video recorded say in different locals (cities),
And then to have observed (most probably) a variety of different reactions and responses to such
confrontations - Which here are really disappointing to watch - Though i admired the young lady's
response of stopping and wanting to compassionately interact with the young homeless man ...

Thanks for posting !

[raregem]

I always smile when I see your face Shadowstalker..always! Don't know why, just do.
This was a thought provoking video. I have been struggling with what to do about helping the people at our street corners for years. I used to try having dollars ready for everywhere I went. There are so many in Austin wanting money. Some make funny signs, some are off meds and a bit scary in their approach.
What I learned is for some they make hundreds a day and make it their "job".
Others are homeless because they are released from the psych hospital and cannot maintain. They don't like the way the meds make them feel etc... Many homeless make their way to this area b/c it is so much easier to get shelter, food, clothing, jobs, transportation than other cities.
The thing that bothers me most is they are everywhere and emotionally it hurts. I cannot save them. I cannot always give to them. Where are the boundaries? This happens all throughout my driving day.
The other day I had the top down on my Miata and a women with a cardboard sign looked at me, I said I was broke (very true...lol), she said no problem she would just put my car in her pocket. She made me smile.

[Jake]

A homeless person gave me a dollar just the other day.. He was grinning from ear to ear!! You see, I go into downtown Seattle (or Seattle Center, or the Waterfront, or the Locks) and play my guitars,, busker style.. I do it for fun, mostly.. I do consider it a part time job,, as folks can be quite generous... ;););).

The other day, a homeless guy, barefoot,, holding a paper cup,,, wondered close and stood leaning against a light post about 15 feet from me... This fellow took my mojo... Lol... Folks were stuffing cash into his cup,, (never mind the busker) lol... After about an hour of this,, he came and threw 2 one dollar bills into mee guitar case and said thank you,, then moved along...

After he left, folks were much more willing to throw me a buck...

Not sure what it means from a purely psychological standpoint,, but I was both happy and sad for the man..

I took the two bucks and found another homeless person to give to...

Love to all,,
Jake

[Meggings]

Raregem, years ago, very early on a Sunday morning I drove alone to a large city. Downtown was quite empty, but as I was walking along looking for where my appointment was, a strange man with crossed eyes came up asking for money. I was completely unprepared and said I didn't have any (which was true, if I did not have any lunch before driving back to my farm). I did not give him money and watched him walk away. My heart was stabbed. I did not think I acted well.

I realized half a year later that I had been sleep-deprived, only later coming to understand how it interfered with "normal" ability to act in the world.This was the week my beloved partner had died from cancer; during his last five months I had had little sleep, though I had not realized it at the time. I used THIS to make myself feel better over not giving this needy person my money. As well, living in the country, I had not before come across being asked for money. It was new in my experience. As well, I'd had no income for years and had been living on borrowed money that sale of my farm paid back. NEVERTHELESS, I felt torn, and that experience cut deep into me.

Fast forward to this past Christmas season. An annual family dinner had been planned, and I did not know how I would be able to face my family in my "broken" condition, with no front teeth and the broken shoulder not mended well, and hair that I could not curl because I could not raise my arm, and no money (nor even thought) to find a hairdresser. Months earlier I had hacked away at my hair with scissors to keep it from falling into my eyes and forehead. I made some near-bald spots, for I could not control the scissors nor hold a mirror. I looked an absolute fright, having suddenly entered in a "hag" stage.

I'd seen a sign in town for an AA meeting on Boxing Day morning at a church. I thought I could take my brokenness there and be held in a sense, be looked at without much negative judgement, find in fellowship some strength to go later in the day to see my beloved brothers and their families. And here is the point of this story:

I'd no idea what an AA meeting was like, and did not know that each stands to speak. It came to my turn. I do not know what I said for my emotion was so great, but after I sat down, a man came over and gave me $5. I cried. My emotion was intense to see another broken person reaching out to help me like that. Though that was months ago, that fellow's generosity still lifts me up when I recall it.

I must conclude, for myself, that whenever asked, my intention is to give, without judgement so far as I am able.

And I note also a lesson I have learned, that unless another person will ACCEPT what is offered, no gift can be given.

[raregem]

Megging said
I must conclude, for myself, that whenever asked, my intention is to give, without judgement so far as I am able.

And I note also a lesson I have learned, that unless another person will ACCEPT what is offered, no gift can be given.

_________________

Thank you, Meggings. This perspective I can wholly embrace. No more questioning.
I completely understand your physical issues. I have a separated shoulder one one side and torn rotator cuff on other arm. Makes it extreme and painful to raise arm and brush hair, get dressed, even move a blanket to cover self.
How are you doing now? Have your circumstances improved enough for your peace of mind?

[Meggings]

Last night I was offered a healing through a lady of rare light, who speaks with god every day and writes her conversations down. She connected me to a healer in Europe, who did his work overnight. Today I found I can get up out of this chair without excruciating pain. So I would say things have most definitely improved since yesterday. And Shadowstalker will appreciate hearing this - that this morning I cleaned off and reorganized my painting table, which she was largely responsible for me having.

Jake, didn't know you were in Seattle. Do you play at Pike's Market on the waterfront? I was so confused when someone said, "Meet me at the pig."

29544

[Jake]

Last night I was offered a healing through a lady of rare light, who speaks with god every day and writes her conversations down. She connected me to a healer in Europe, who did his work overnight. Today I found I can get up out of this chair without excruciating pain. So I would say things have most definitely improved since yesterday. And Shadowstalker will appreciate hearing this - that this morning I cleaned off and reorganized my painting table, which she was largely responsible for me having.

Jake, didn't know you were in Seattle. Do you play at Pike's Market on the waterfront? I was so confused when someone said, "Meet me at the pig."

29544

oh, yes indeed.. I had to get a special license to play in the market, but i never play there anymore because they do not allow for any amplification. The rest of the city is free game.. And there is sooo much more to this city than PPMarket... I am a BIIIGGG supporter of local farmer markets and will grab mee guitar and play whenever i can... Right behind that brass pig is one of the most famous fish markets in the city.. Just about where this picure is taken, is where we stand to busk.. lol... Accross the street (in the direction the pig is looking) is the best scone/pastry shop in the universe... :):):) Within 4 blocks of this pig, there are 6 Starbuck shops... :(

I go down to the Waterfront by the Peirs... Down by the 'ye old curiosity shop'.. That's me spot.. I'm also at the Seattle Center next to the EMP.. (Experience Music Project,,,, the ugliest building in Seattle... lol...) The Seattle Center is Busker Heaven.. :) I've met quite a few of mee musical heroes there... One time, during Bumbershoot,,, I met Tate, the singer from Queensryche.. We got to talking about Red Bulls, the energy drink,, (they were brand new back then). I turned around after talking with him and,, literally,,, accidentilly ran into ICE CUBE.. !!!!

I could write a book about my experinces Busking in Seattle!! A couple of weeks ago, I met Jimi Hendrix Little brother, and Jimis Grand Neice!! She gave me 5 bucks!!

I've made nice with many of the Homeless in Seattle.. Many of the other Buskers too,,, they are calling me PigNose... Because i carry a small PigNose amplifier with me.. A bit of a throwback from the 70s..

It may be a bit of a tactic for homeless folks to stand next to Buskers, so that they can grab some attention... I don't mind. I am not in it for the money.. If I was,, I'd not be doing it on the streets.. lol....

jake

[Finefeather]

Everyone has a right to give unconditionally no matter how they appear or who they are...
Be happy when you receive because it is what the giver is wanting you to be...
Both experience a moment of joy...a moment of true brotherhood.

When you give conditionally you are not giving... you are buying...
and the receiver may not have even wanted to sell you anything...
Both experience a moment of pain...a moment of separation.

[pyrangello]

My father use to go to church almost everyday , he was self employed and worked from home but also donated much money to charitable organizations. One day when he was visiting the Capuchin monastery in Detroit where Father Solanus is buried he was walking out the door in the winter and noticed a person laying on a bench across the street trying to stay warm. My father got the homeless man to go home and get him something to eat and get warm. After speaking with the man , my Father tracked down the homeless man's sister who was a catholic nun. When speaking to the sister she had told my dad she had been praying and praying for her homeless brother and my father told the sister no worries I'll take care of him . When the nun realized her prayers were finally fulfilled , she passed away 3 days later.

You know my father took in this homeless man, got him a hearing aide, got his teeth fixed, set up his social security for him and when my dad moved from detroit to indiana he moved Mr Jim Smith (homeless man) with him . My father bought JIm a mobile home near his house and took care of him for 15 years . Jim would also help my dad with his work periodically too. Yes I shared many laughs and smiles with Jim as well. He was a simple man but a kind hearted individual who was forever grateful. Jim passed away before my father did but it taught me the lesson that everyone and I mean everyone has a value and a gift here. Some care not to share it and run the dark side but others when given the opportunity and a hand up not a hand out shine more than you will ever know. :)

[Meggings]

Pyrangello, bless you for sharing this beautiful story. It brought moisture to my eyes, delight to my heart. Bless your father, bless all the Jim Smith's in the world. I share on a personal level that Spirit brought me a day and a half ago, through a friend, healing that proceeds apace. The knees no longer hurt and the thought I'd had days ago that I would soon be crippled by the pain has vanished. I have been blessed, and felt desire to thank publicly all those who bring blessings into the lives of others.

As I write these words, I truly feel the Oneness of all of us.

[Violet]

Truly shocked by the people's reactions. I wonder if they would still be the same if there were neutral observers standing close enough to overhear everything?

And a thumbs up for that beautiful lady with the beautiful heart, and the other beautiful hearts (see posts up here).

[Flash]

this happened to me.

I did tell that story before on this forum.

I was walking downtown with my daughter, who was in need of expensive treatments. But it was not apparent at first glance looking at her.

A homeless man showed up in our faces, with a can of change, asking for money. I felt uncomfortable and told him I was saving every penny for roof, food and treatments for my daughter, and that I was sorry.

Then he said he was sorry that I was in such a situation and offered me his filled can of change.

I said no, feeling bad, that he needed it. He insisted, wanting to give for my daughter, in a very kind manner. i refused but thanked him profusely and told him to give to those who needed still more.

---------------

I can't believe that wearing a suit or having a nice car makes one believe he is that much better.

I saw a lot of people asking for money who were not wanting to work, but also lots of them were psychologically imbalanced. The difference between being exploited and helping a needy person is sometimes small, the line fine. Making one's discernment more acute is sometimes necessary.

Anyhow, I have helped a lot of people, a lot helped me, and the Wheel of goodwill continues to grow when one gives its heart.

[Finefeather]

I was walking downtown with my daughter, who was in need of expensive treatments. But it was not apparent at first glance looking at her.

A homeless man showed up in our faces, with a can of change, asking for money. I felt uncomfortable and told him I was saving every penny for roof, food and treatments for my daughter, and that I was sorry.

Then he said he was sorry that I was in such a situation and offered me his filled can of change.

I said no, feeling bad, that he needed it. He insisted, wanting to give for my daughter, in a very kind manner. i refused but thanked him profusely and told him to give to those who needed still more.

Flash your post might have some interesting points to consider.

Money is energy and energy needs to flow...it cannot do anything else but flow...lack of energy flow causes blockages which tends to make the energy move towards another area where it can be used.

Life has a law of economy which means that every good or every bad situation must be used in some way in order to achieve harmony in the Cosmos. Yes, even if we cannot see this, even a 'bad' situation can be turned into good use because don't forget that karma needs to be fulfilled...and karma is energy in some state.

When we refuse energy...in the form of money in this case... from someone, we have blocked the flow of energy...so that energy (money) needs to move to someone else for it to be useful.

By refusing positive energy we create around us an aura of energy rejection and ...if continued...positive energy will tend to bypass us because of our attitude. People who have money and freely give it to good causes always seem able to accumulate more and more...life seeks out ways to distribute it's energy.

This person who offered you money... after you clearly told him that you needed it...was refused the right to give you the energy he had accumulated...this was the moment of separation which I wrote in my post above.
This person may never find a more suitable candidate to give his energy to than you...when you came along...but you refuse to give him the opportunity to give...no matter how much you think he needed the money more than you.

Energy comes to us in the strangest of ways and the law of economy must continue on it's great quest for harmony.

With love
Ray

PS:
If you examine closely the life of people who hoard energy(money) their lives tend to become stale and people often move away from them.