This morning before meditation practice at the Shala the subject of support groups came up. The person I was talking with expressed that they were attending such a group and expressed hesitation around labeling it a “support” group because that suggests that there is something “wrong” for which they need the support of others. Something about that didn’t feel quite right….

Then we sat and thoughts surrounding this sentiment surfaced within me. It occurred to me that support is a human need – and not something that ought be perceived in any sort of negative/weak/problematic way. My mind settled for a moment – feeling relieved and a bit satisfied. And then a memory bubbled up. A couple days ago I saw a video on Instagram of a large hog carrying hay in his mouth to deliver it to his companion who was old and less mobile. It then occurred to me that support is not just a human need, but a universal need. All sentient beings need support. Trees draw support from fungi (if you haven’t read “The Underland” I highly recommend), bees receive support from flowers, animals support one another, Ram had Hanuman, and the Buddha had Ananda. We are all integral to one another’s experience providing support in ways subtle and strong, unknown and known, willing and non. 

So, maybe we can shift the discussion, drop the hierarchies, open our hearts and lend one another the support we all need.

Recommended read: https://www.ecowatch.com/what-is-factory-farming.html