Dispel the Illusion of Distance

Originally written 2/13/23

I find myself in one of the densest cities in the world

I pass people on every street

And yet, why is it so easy for me to feel so lonely?

It’s this illusion of distance

Feeling far away from home

Feeling closed off to the New Yorkers who roam

I’ve created this illusion of distance between us

How do I close the gap?

It’s up to me

It starts with me

I’ve got to Go Positive, Go First

I’m wearing this particular meat suit

Because it bridges the gap of initial attraction

I’ve been placed in this elite job

Given this executive title

(Both of which are arbitrary reflections of who I truly am & how I interact)

Because it serves this role of attraction

That’s it.

These attributes frame others’ perceptions of me

In a way that serves me

Identity is a costume

That informs others of the role I’m playing

But the distance between us is an illusory experience

We’re all the same underneath the surface

My job might signal to others that “I’m important!”

It might place me above them on the imaginary hierarchy

So, then, maybe they’ll give me the time of day

They might tell themselves that I’m worthy of interacting with

I can use my position on other people’s hierarchy

To show them how illusory it really is

I’ve worked so hard to earn my position on this hierarchy

Now I can use this position to dispel the illusion of distance

Dispel the illusion by seeing other people

Regardless of their position

Meet them with curiosity

Extend to them non-judgement

Deep dive into conversation

Show them that I don’t believe I’m any better than them

Even if society (or their own hierarchy) would suggest that I am

Show them that I see their Wholeness

Show them that they already “measure up”

Show them that they’re already “good enough”

That’s the gift I have to give

Use my position to their advantage