PRISONER EXPRESS

This particular literary effort is an attempt on my part to share my perspective on what a neighbor is to myself as well as what the purpose of recognizing another as a neighbor.

It is generally understood or accepted that for one to be a neighbor it must be an issue of proximity, but I can't accept proximity as a requirement due to each individual's perspective/acknowledged reality. Proximity shall always be in direct relation to one's comprehension of self and dynamic of creation's interrelated parts. As one part of the greater whole of this creation I am aware that my actions affect everything that exists, either directly or indirectly, consequently all men and women are my neighbors. To deny such a reality is to consciously or unconsciously contribute to hindering one's growth. I am an extension of thoughts and actions that occurred prior to my existence. If able to look back I'd undoubtedly witness individuals interacting that were once separated by ignorance, a lack of knowledge. Once they recognized the commonality amongst themselves (which always existed) they went from 'strangers' to friends/neighbors. Perspectives were altered by choices made. It is mankind's ability to choose which causes us to either excel or fail in our chosen endeavors. To what laws do we as mankind hold ourselves that acknowledges 'neighborhood' as brotherhood? The question is a rhetorical one due to the fact that mankind as an entity does not acknowledge a single governing law. If so, the topic of neighbor wouldn't be the subject of an essay.

Do family members acknowledge neighbors as family, extended or otherwise, or an entity separate from? Words have power and if one doesn't strive to comprehend the use of words it is a given that words will control you as opposed to you controlling words. Webster's Dictionary (New American) defines neighbor: (n) 1) one who lives near another, 2) person or thing near or next to another, 3) a fellow being. By definition, which I perceive as a theory, a neighbor is neither a friend nor foe, but rather potentially either which resided in personal choice. I find that disturbing. It is a fact that in the world exist wars among neighbors. The major populace of the world is ignorant of self, their individuality and their potential to be a factor in the policies that shape the world. Instead of the authority inherent in family being utilized to nurture via self-study, the power of thought is being suppressed, the mind atrophied and the spirit of love/brotherhood is corrupted. Loyalty is a generic term. There is only one issue worthy of research where loyalty is concerned. The issue is growth and prosperity of self-family and your fellow man!

It is a sign to see a 'fellow being' as the third and last definition of neighbor in Webster's Dictionary. The authorities that mankind turns to when seeking guidance are subject to fault. To truly comprehend the reality of a neighbor, friend, or family is to dig deeper than what is written or spoken. To each problem that exists there is a solution as well as an answer to every question. To observe creation at work is to truly come to terms with what a neighbor is in reality, not theory. Have you ever paid attention to the symmetry and order that exist in a forest? Does man tend to the forest as one does a personal garden? No! How is it that the plant life, animals, insect and fungus thrive? Neither animal nor plant life struggle to exist together. They co-exist by submission to a law written within their being. Man and mankind alone is at constant battle with his/her inner-being and it is the soul that comprehends the balance and harmony of a unified whole. The Earth is one neighborhood and we are a family at war within. Who can truthfully say pain isn't felt when acknowledging the Sudanese genocide, Bosnia "ethnic cleansing", Iraq insurgents, Rwanda, etc? We feel because our soul acknowledges our fellow man. To attempt to define a neighbor as someone next or near to you is to actually leave an option regarding friend or foe. Why not strive to embrace your extended self? The choice is our own; however it is only a choice in theory if we truly acknowledge what a neighbor is to the reality of one's self and journey in life.

In summary, I'd like to say, it is my daily struggle to stand firm in acquiring the most in depth comprehension of myself. I acknowledge my duty/obligations as a man in the creation, consequently my intimate connection with my universal family. It is my intention to be a loving, supportive, nurturing, loyal and protective 'neighbor' to all that exists, beginning with self.

We can't love another until we love ourselves, we'll continue to allow others to define our thoughts, words and deeds until we know ourselves. Consciousness of one's soul and universal place brings clarity of vision and then one can acknowledge his/her neighbor.