“Once the realisation is accepted that even between the closest human beings infinite distances continue, a wonderful living side by side can grow, if they succeed in loving the distance between them which makes it possible for each to see the other whole against the sky.” ― Rilke Rainer Maria
The twenty-first century is socialising us to believe that we can exist happily on our own. As our dependence on technology reduces our reliance upon one another, this stress inducing alienation has encouraged a mental health crisis to creep into so many of our lives. Amidst the exorbitant cost of daily life there are so many people struggling in silence.
We are gradually losing the space, time and opportunities to talk, to share our woes, fears and tribulations. The communities that we used to live alongside, celebrate with and mourn with are drifting apart, separation brought upon us through generational changes in attitudes to work and education.
When we are removed from each other the weight on each of us gets heavier, a problem shared is a problem halved, as the old saying goes and that takes vulnerability from both sides.
There is a greater need for inquisitive lips that know the moment to ask the questions that no-one else wants to ask and listening ears that are ready to receive without judgement.
We tell ourselves that we don’t have the resources and the time, but is it just that we don’t care enough?
To begin with, can we set free our generosity of spirit? Simple acts of kindness, loving gestures, a compliment or a welcoming smile. Can we move beyond the transaction to get below the surface, let each other into our lives and support others as we in turn let ourselves be supported.
My latest proejct, ‘Love Thy Neighbour’ is a simple way of acknowledging the things that bring us together. I spent a morning photographing strangers on the street of my home town, asking them to tell me about a time when someone showed them kindness. The answers were simple and beautiful. Some representing lifetimes of care, others momentary gestures. It visualises our inherent reliance upon one another and demonstrates that although it often feels like it, we are not alone.
See the project in full on my Instagram Highlights.