Comments on: On The Street

By: Maria Theresa Maggi

Maria Theresa Maggi — Thu, 21 Jan 2016 17:16:17 +0000

Dear Gena, I can’t tell you how much your comment means to me. As someone who has been “active,” I think you hit the nail on the head. It’s sometimes, sadly, the case that activists rush in with more of a vision, often quite positive, but less of a tendency to listen. In some of my more disappointed moments in that arena, I have wryly remarked that we activists use the word “community” like conversatives use the phrase “the American people.” It’s a long, hard road, requiring patience and deep listening, and we are all imperfect at it.

I so love, too, that you picked up on and resonated with the magic of tying human experience to phenomena and lessons we learn from the plant kingdom. I guess you could say more than anything that’s how I came to this way of life–my sensitivity to the plants growing in my garden and what they gave me, always.

And of course, thank you for your kind words about the encounter. It IS always hard to know if a judgment call about how to treat a stranger is the correct one in the moment. It helped me to write about it here, and to gain a little more clarity from the muddle of questions i was mired in. But each day forward is a work in progress.
xoxo

Maria

By: Gena

Gena — Thu, 21 Jan 2016 16:53:52 +0000

Dear Maria,

This post is so full of experience, feeling, and complex material that I read it twice in order to process a helpful comment. First and foremost, I think you’re doing wonderful things to participate actively in the health and wellness of your community, while also respecting and showing deference to tradition, culture, and the experience/perspective of people who have lived there for a long, long time. You show a sensitivity that activists, I think, sometimes lack, which is that passion for change and commitment to social justice need to be tempered by a very sensitive awareness of the delicate balance we call “community.”

I love the note you wrote with the flower, and in general I love that you can tie human experience to phenomena and lessons we learn from the plant kingdom. As plant eaters, I think we sometimes get so wrapped up in promoting the diet and our activism that we forget to look to the plant world we value so much for wisdom and knowledge — and it has so very much to offer us!

As for the encounter, I’m glad you’re unharmed and that it was diffused, even though I’m sure it was enormously jarring and unsettling and sad for you to experience. It’s always so hard to know how to treat strangers — do we take a chance on friendliness and extending warmth, or do we try to show respect for their privacy and selfhood and space by keeping to ourselves? Here in NYC, I never entirely know how to navigate this in outdoor, public spaces. You were clearly thoughtful about this and made a good choice, and so I’m sorry that the interaction became so fraught. As always, you contextualize and analyze it beautifully for all of us here on this blog.

XO,

Gena

By: Maria Theresa Maggi

Maria Theresa Maggi — Wed, 20 Jan 2016 20:54:10 +0000

Thank you, Lee, really appreciate the good thoughts. And yes, my friend is indeed wise. I’m glad I know her.

By: Lee at Veggie Quest

Lee at Veggie Quest — Wed, 20 Jan 2016 18:53:19 +0000

I love the words of your wise friend: “Maria, just be yourself and keep painting your wonderful paintings, and know God is taking care of you.” I hope your street painting comes to pass and that peace is on the increase in your neighborhood.

By: Maria Theresa Maggi

Maria Theresa Maggi — Tue, 19 Jan 2016 03:35:40 +0000

Yes, Veronica, it truly has been, and is, a roller coaster. Thank you for your kind words and understanding of the complexity of the situation for all concerned. And so glad you enjoyed the borage drawings! xo

By: Veronica

Veronica — Tue, 19 Jan 2016 00:42:58 +0000

Your time in Portland so far seems like such a roller coaster! I think many of us have had similar experiences, and confusion that follows. People of every type are such a complex mystery to me, what things have happened to make them who they are, respond/react how they do… And regardless of the words he spoke, you tried to look from his perspective, of not wanting to be ignored (even if that wasn’t your intent). No one does. And as you mentioned, the simple act of understanding and compassion softens the situation. Something we all need to do more of.
It reminds me of a song from Chicago – Mr. Cellophane – “you can look right through me, walk right by me, and never know I’m there.”
Anyway, I hope you continue finding your place. And the borage picture is so bright and lovely!

By: Maria Theresa Maggi

Maria Theresa Maggi — Mon, 18 Jan 2016 23:10:10 +0000

Thank you, Sheila. <3

By: Sheila Z

Sheila Z — Mon, 18 Jan 2016 21:37:50 +0000

I’m glad you have Romeo with you when you walk. Dogs have a way of disarming some people. Peace be with you.

By: Maria Theresa Maggi

Maria Theresa Maggi — Mon, 18 Jan 2016 21:21:03 +0000

Thank you, Donna–and bless you back for the beautiful sentiments in this comment. I am fortnuate to have such wise and compassionate readers like you.

By: Donna Betts

Donna Betts — Mon, 18 Jan 2016 19:47:46 +0000

Bravo!! My courageous friend… although a shocking experience –
thank you for sharing and asking the questions we all have to ask ourselves. No easy answers — we have to keep trying to mend our broken fences… I bless your dear heart…