Being Human
A Journey of Presence and Connection
In the hustle and bustle of daily life, I have often forgotten to pause and reflect on what it truly means to be human. Today, I ponder this profound question and invite you to join me on this introspective journey.
Recently, I had the privilege of listening to a workshop led by Ukrainian meditators who have been practicing throughout the ongoing war in their country. Their experiences shed light on a crucial aspect of our humanity - our ability to remain grounded and connected to our essence, even in extreme adversity.
These meditators shared how their practice has been instrumental in helping them maintain their sense of humanness during times of crisis. It got me thinking about how we can all benefit from cultivating this awareness in our lives, regardless of our circumstances.
One of the key insights that emerged from the conference was the dehumanizing nature of violence. Whether we’re talking about war or everyday acts of aggression, violence has the power to strip away our humanity - not just for the victims but for the perpetrators as well. This realization is both sobering and enlightening.
About 28 years ago, in my first master’s degree, I learned of Martin Buber1, a notable twentieth-century philosopher, religious thinker, political activist, and educator. Born in Austria, he mainly lived in Germany and Israel, writing in German and Hebrew. He is best known for his 1923 book, “Ich und Du” (I and Thou), which distinguishes between the “I-Thou” and “I-It” modes of existence. Often labeled an existentialist, Buber rejected this classification, emphasizing instead the whole person and “dialogic” intersubjectivity over the existentialist focus on self-consciousness.
Within this seminal work, he differentiates between having a relationship between two subjects, “I and Thou,” and not having a relationship, but instead seeing the other as an object, “I and It.” How we approach the other as a “Thou” or an “It” changes our interaction, perception, and, ultimately, our view of the other (and ourselves). Here is a quote from Buber’s book:
I consider a tree.
I can look on it as a picture: stiff column in a shock of light, or splash of green shot with the delicate blue and silver of the background.
I can perceive it as movement: flowing veins on clinging, pressing pith, suck of the roots, breathing of the leaves, ceaseless commerce with earth and air—and the obscure growth itself.
I can classify it in a species and study it as a type in its structure and mode of life.
I can subdue its actual presence and form so sternly that I recognise it only as an expression of law — of the laws in accordance with which a constant opposition of forces is continually adjusted, or of those in accordance with which the component substances mingle and separate.
I can dissipate it and perpetuate it in number, in pure numerical relation.
In all this the tree remains my object, occupies space and time, and has its nature and constitution.
It can, however, also come about, if I have both will and grace, that in considering the tree I become bound up in relation to it. The tree is now no longer It. I have been seized by the power of exclusiveness.
To effect this it is not necessary for me to give up any of the ways in which I consider the tree. There is nothing from which I would have to turn my eyes away in order to see, and no knowledge that I would have to forget. Rather is everything, picture and movement, species and type, law and number, indivisibly united in this event.
Everything belonging to the tree is in this: its form and structure, its colours and chemical composition, its intercourse with the elements and with the stars, are all present in a single whole.
The tree is no impression, no play of my imagination, no value depending on my mood; but it is bodied over against me and has to do with me, as I with it — only in a different way.
Let no attempt be made to sap the strength from the meaning of the relation: relation is mutual.2
This mutuality, or relationship, can occur with trees, ourselves, others, God/Source/Higher Power, and all of life.
So, how do we counteract dehumanization? The answer lies in the practice of mindfulness and meditation. By grounding ourselves in the present moment, we reconnect with our bodies, minds, and the essence of our being. We become fully present, allowing ourselves to experience our thoughts, feelings, and emotions. It’s in these moments of presence that we are most fully human.
But being human isn’t just about individual experience. It’s about recognizing our shared humanity—the universal emotions, thoughts, and experiences that connect us all. We realize we are never truly alone when we tap into this collective consciousness. A vast community of fellow human beings has felt what we feel, thought what we think, and experienced what we experience.
This recognition of our shared humanity has profound implications. It allows us to see beyond the labels of “perpetrator” and “victim” and acknowledge the human being behind every action, no matter how heinous. Recognizing and accepting human beings doesn’t excuse harmful behavior but opens the door to compassion and understanding—to see the person as a whole, not just an object (an It). There are many examples of people deciding to forgive the perpetrator who killed a loved one or even injured them. One story that stands out is entitled “I See Him as My Friend: A Woman’s Forgiveness of the Man Who Killed Her Daughter.”
The psychological studies3 that followed the Nuremberg trials after World War II revealed a startling truth - that all human beings have the potential to be either perpetrators or victims, given the right circumstances. This realization is both humbling and empowering. It reminds us of our responsibility to actively cultivate our humanity and create environments that bring out the best in ourselves and others.
When we recognize our shared humanity, something remarkable happens. The boundaries between “us” and “them” begin to blur. We start to see that despite our differences in thoughts, beliefs, and experiences, we are all driven by similar fundamental desires - the need for love, security, purpose, and connection.
This understanding fosters compassion, softens our judgments, and opens our hearts. It creates space for dialogue and understanding, even in conflict. And it all starts with being present—with ourselves and with others.
Meditation is a powerful tool in this journey. It helps us stay grounded in the present moment, attuned to our inner world and the world around us. It allows us to observe our thoughts and emotions without getting caught up, creating space for deeper understanding and empathy.
But let’s be honest - being present isn’t always easy. Sometimes, our thoughts and emotions can feel overwhelming. The key is approaching these experiences with curiosity and compassion rather than judgment. By doing so, we not only deepen our self-understanding but also enhance our ability to recognize and empathize with the experiences of others.
This presence and connection practice is more important than ever in a divided and chaotic world. It’s the antidote to the dehumanization we see in violence, discrimination, and indifference. It’s the path to a more compassionate, understanding, and peaceful world.
So, I challenge you—and myself—to commit to living more fully in the present moment, cultivating deeper relationships with ourselves and others, staying in touch with our humanity, and recognizing it in everyone we encounter.
Imagine a world where we all lived this way—present, connected, and deeply aware of our shared humanity. A world where empathy and compassion are the norm, not the exception. A world where we see the person behind the label, the human being behind the action.
This vision may seem romantic, but it’s within our reach. It starts with each of us, in this moment, choosing to be fully present and fully human. It’s a lifetime journey filled with challenges and rewards beyond measure.
As we move forward, let’s carry this awareness with us. Let’s strive to see the humanity in ourselves and others, even when it’s complicated. Let’s create spaces for genuine connection and understanding. And remember that we can choose presence, compassion, and humanity in every moment, starting with ourselves.
Meditation is not an escape from reality but a gateway to a more profound engagement with life. Through consistent practice, we cultivate mindfulness that extends beyond our meditation sessions. This heightened awareness allows us to approach life’s challenges clearly and purposefully.
As we deepen our practice, we naturally move into contemplation. Here, we become deep thinkers and feelers, fully present in each moment. This state of being enables us to make thoughtful and grounded choices rather than reactive or emotionally driven ones.
The true power of meditation lies in its ability to transform our daily lives. It’s not about isolating ourselves or seeking constant bliss. Instead, it’s about developing a present-sensed awareness that guides our actions and decisions. Living mindfully allows us to navigate life’s complexities calmly and clearly, making choices that align with our deepest values and aspirations.
Ultimately, the path of meditation and contemplation leads to meaningful action. It empowers us to move forward with purpose, addressing life’s challenges from a space of clarity and mindfulness. This way, we can create positive change in ourselves and our world.
Reflection Questions
What does being “fully human” mean to you? How do you connect with your humanity daily?
What are some practical ways to stay connected to our shared humanity, even when interacting with people with very different beliefs or experiences?
How does being present in the moment help you relate better to others and build stronger relationships?
Can you recall when recognizing someone else’s humanity changed your perspective or reaction to a situation?
What role do mindfulness and presence play in creating a more peaceful and compassionate world?
How can we balance acknowledging our shared humanity with addressing harmful behaviors or ideologies?
How can you commit to being more present and connected to your humanity and that of others in your daily life?
Amen! 🙏🙌