Breathe Words

Social Inequality and Scarcity

    One of the things that intrigues me most in the world is social inequality. Why do some have so much while others have so little? Why do the treasures of the universe open up for some, while for others these doors remain closed?

    For me, these doors have always been closed. But a few days ago, I had a small sign that they could finally open — not through magic, but through a personal discovery: a path to follow.

    Only someone who has always had plenty cannot understand the dilemma of living with scarcity. May I share a personal experience? Recently I had to help a very close family member pay some overdue bills. This relative works hard as a public servant, but their responsibilities are many.

    Because of another sick family member and financial difficulties, the debts piled up. I wanted to help, but I didn’t have much in my account. Want an example? If a chocolate bar has three pieces, I only had one — and it was already running out. Still, I helped, because this family member was too important to me.

    The feeling of insecurity when you lack resources is one of the worst feelings you can experience. But, incredibly, even with so little, I was never left helpless.

Gratitude Even in Scarcity

    I never went hungry, never lacked medicine, never lacked some leisure. Somehow, the universe always nourished my needs. Even though I have little now, I know I will not be abandoned.

    Here is the first lesson: even with little, we must cultivate gratitude and practice empathy.

    There is an unforgettable scene in the film The Pianist. Władysław Szpilman’s family is in a courtyard, segregated with other Jews, just before boarding a train to the concentration camp. A little boy appears selling candies at a very high price. Hungry, they pool all their resources and buy a single candy. The father then divides it equally among the children.

    This scene shows how we must be empathetic and show solidarity, even when we have little.

Spirituality and Spiritual Evolution

    I cannot say that I have already learned everything about this. Like you, I am just a human being in the evolutionary process, trying to become better. I still have many steps to climb.

    I am a Spiritist and spiritualist. I believe in spiritual evolution: we have passed through the plant and animal kingdoms, today we are in the human kingdom, and finally, we will reach the angelic kingdom. In Spiritism, this is called evolution.

    The curious thing is that not only do we evolve, but planets evolve as well. First, a planet is primitive, then it enters trials and atonements, moves to regeneration, and thus continues until it becomes celestial.

    This shows that God — whatever the belief — does not like idleness. Everything He creates is meant to evolve and develop. This force is always in motion.

Purpose In Life and Life Mission

    At the beginning of this text, I said I had found a path. What I am doing now is part of it. And what does this have to do with living in times of scarcity? Everything.

    When someone discovers a purpose in life, a talent to invest in, the treasures of the universe open up. Do not be afraid to dive into your unconscious and discover something for yourself. Anything you can invest your time in, no matter how simple it may seem, can be your life mission.

    And be sure of this: even with little, we will never be abandoned. This vision gives us strength to invest in projects, dreams, and our life mission.

Belonging and Human Connection

    Since I can remember, my family has experienced scarcity. We never had much, and “no” has always been part of daily life. Even so, our scarcity never reached the extreme faced by many people. And for that, I am grateful.

    We, human beings, have a need for belonging. We are social animals and only thrive when we help one another. Even my life mission depends on this — to help in order to also be helped.

    An example is found in the biblical metaphor of the creation of humanity. First, God created Adam, but he did not want to be alone. Then He created Eve. Many interpret this only as the need for reproduction, but it also proves that Adam, as a human being, could not live alone. He needed human connection.

    I myself find it easy to connect. I may be sitting at a bus station, next to someone, and soon we are already exchanging personal experiences.

Solidarity and Courage

    Today’s times show how the world is dichotomous: on one side, movie stars at luxurious events; on the other, children being shot in Gaza.

    But once again, humanity proves its solidarity. There are international mobilizations to bring food and medicine to that region. In other words, we simply cannot witness the suffering of others without acting.

    During the Nazi era, courageous men helped Jews escape. It takes great courage to be light in the darkness.

    Even with little, I — and perhaps you too — have not stopped helping others. You do not need to be perfect, pure, or religious. You just need to be human.

A Necessary Warning

    I leave just one warning: there will be moments of impatience. Sometimes we want to help, but the other person does not help themselves. Do not be alarmed if you feel this — it is normal. I feel it all the time and need to take a deep breath to regain my balance.

    I do not intend to act like some religious people who present themselves as perfect and incorruptible, dictating rules of conduct. I will not do that. But I hope that by sharing my experiences — with flaws and imperfections — you can reflect on yourself.

    After all, we human beings are not that unpredictable.

If you liked this post, please leave a comment so I can write more for you. Thank you for reading this article.

Samantha Leal