Today, while my wife was minding her own business and drawing a sketch of a staircase in a city park, a friend approached her. The friend is a ceramics art teacher. Noticing Sarah’s drawing, she invited Sarah to hang out in the future and do art together. While they’ve been friends in a “everyone I’m friendly with is a friend” kind of way, this small moment of recognizing the other person’s values could begin a deep connection between them.

I love this moment my wife shared with me, because I feel that one day, when we are evolved enough, everyone will connect with each other so easily.

There are just so many barriers in modern life, the main one being we close off our hearts to each other. It is so hard to walk up to others and simply ask for an embrace, and receive one in return. And when you do, it is seen as weird with an ulterior motive.

Last winter, there was a disabled homeless man crying into the streets, “God, where are you? I need you!” I continued walking past him five or six meters, and something moved inside me. I have a few dollars, I can spare a few for this man who was deeply distressed. As I passed the bill from my hand to his, I looked into his eyes, and I started crying. I could sense his soul feeling forsaken, alone, desperate. I embraced this man, like my own father and said, “You are loved. I love you.” He thanked me and the heavens for the gift of recognition and the money to go home in the freezing winds.

I don’t always act this way. In fact, I’d say, I’m like most people. I give when I can, but mostly keep to myself because I’m afraid of what will happen. If you engage with the wrong person, they will start rummaging through your stuff for more food (happened to a friend); they will start talking to you non-sensically (happens all the time on the train); they will say violent things (happens every month in New York City).

But once in a while, my hearts stirs, beats, and moves me to act.

When I release my fears of others, and when society can do the same, we will all live in such greater harmony.