24th May 2006
A Meditation on Dislocation and Homelessness
I’ve been thinking recently of what makes a home and what makes us homeless. There is a sense of dislocation to being homeless that is unparalleled by other experiences. It is a sense of fitting in nowhere, of not having a bed to rest a pillow at night, of constantly walking, running, drifting from place to place, searching for a place to remain rooted.
It’s easier than you think to become homeless.
Beliefnet readers share their stories here. Here is an excerpt of one:
As a child growing up in Los Angeles, I remember riding in a car with my mother and seeing a homeless man sitting on the railroad tracks. I remember my mother telling me, “Son, never give up on life and be like that man over there.” Little did I know that I would experience homelessness in my life as an adult. God knew, but I didn’t.
I think it’s worth reflecting on what makes a home, what makes roots, and how easily you can be uprooted.
Gratitude, I think that’s what I’m getting at. When you are warm and snug, this is a time to appreciate the moment.
