We Are Infinite As the Universe We Hold Inside

"With golden string, our universe was clothed in light. Pulling at the seams, our once barren world now brims with life."

 

This is going to be the biggest ramble that I’ve ever allowed to escape my mind and flow through my fingertips onto this keyboard.

 

When people talk about kindness, there is always that notion that compels people to say things like “Don’t mistaken my kindness for weakness.” That inherently suggests that it is in fact a weakness. Being kind through a genuine concern and consciousness for others, regardless if earned or deserved, requires a unique level of inner courage, dignity and grace. It is not a reflection of a persons ability to stand up for themselves, but rather a testament to a persons introspective and tolerant compassion.

 

I had this image in my mind that conveyed loneliness with an undercurrent of hopefulness. Concurrently, there are more than 40,000 Second Life residents logged in at any given time. Firestorm tells you this every time you open it right before you hit log in. Yet, people continually ask where do people hang out, where do people make friends, etc. It’s like all we do is spend time shopping and then dressing ourselves on our platform — to go nowhere. The cycle repeats itself. I miss the sense of community that I remember from my early days on the grid.

 

Remember how my thoughts are never linear? I have had this issue where people have no idea I changed topics while speaking to me, but in my head it makes sense.

 

Today was my friend Eria's birthday. She asked in lieu of giving her a gift to instead “Pay It Forward.” To show a random act of kindness to someone who isn’t your friend. It did not have to be a grand gesture, but something that would bring a smile to their face. The other night Justine showed me and like a few other people how she edits her decor photos for that incredible lighting effect. She only met some of us properly within that week.

 

When I was younger, I used to say that part of what made Second Life so beautiful is that everything is 100% user created, where the only limitations placed on you are the ones that you place on yourself. It is a world made for dreamers. And this world, and any world, is built on a foundation of those dreams. I feel like maybe it is true that what you put in is what you get out.

 

I am not going to sit here and act like I am some good person. I fuck up a lot. I make far too many mistakes. I develop preconceived notions on others that may or may not be an accurate reflection of their character. I say stupid shit sometimes. I ignore messages. I think things I probably should not think. And I feel like I should do better and that I could do better.

 

The thing is I understand why people have their fronts. I get why we close ourselves off. I know why we question people’s intentions. We have all been hurt before, and we have all been betrayed. You have to look out for yourself, and you need to protect yourself. I just feel like there is a better balance that can be sought and found.

 

Maybe the next time something cruel teases on the tip of your tongue, you can show restraint. Maybe next time you find yourself in a situation that would typically demand a different response from you, you can show kindness.

 

The Blog.

I was listening to Sun.

Done