The
Word from the Streets - January
22 , 2003
 There
was such depth in this day, serving on the streets.
Everyone could feel it at each location. It was so
profound how so many of the men wanted to engage with
us. Each story was different from what someone else
had shared with us. On some occasions, they wanted
to tell us how well they were doing. Some of the guys
had gotten jobs and some were able to get a place
to live. Others expressed such overwhelming sorrow.
The air had such a feeling of desperation to it. So
many were reaching out to us, waning to be heard and
loved.
When we arrived at Peachtree and Pine, the line had
already been formed by our very own Trishula. Within
the first few minutes, we noticed there were so many
of our regulars. It was like old home day. Guys were
there that we haven't seen for a while. In addition
to Jersey there was, Kevin (still happily employed
security guard to the stars!), Smiley Todd,
Curtis (Ganesh Giri's buddy!), Rosa
(the queen of streets),
Homer (with a smile that would blow anyone
away today!!) and so many others hugging and loving
on us. Time really felt as though it stood still as
we visited with our friends.
Our Mahadev was asked to say a prayer for Ernest
at Central park. Evidently, all that were there to
witness this were blown away by the beauty in Mahadevs
words. Such beauty in Seva. I've said this before,
and I'm saying again, Central Park is becoming such
a special place for us. There is such a strong sense
of community amongst this group. Everyone knows where
their people are and how everyone is doing. This is
the park also that so many people want to spend time
with us and ask for our prayers. I'm so grateful that
Doris told us to come to this park. The idea that
this group of people would be forgotten saddens my
heart.
There is such grace in serving someone else. This
enables us to step out of our small selves, and be
full-on caring about someone else.
In most cases, the care is given to someone that is
overlooked or forgotten . All of the things in your
life that are bothering you seem to disappear in the
space of service. It makes you fully aware that really
the only thing this life is about is love.
Forever grateful to serve in the name of Ma Jaya
Sati Bhagavati,
Sadhu
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Street Meals
helps alleviate hunger for the homeless population in
Atlanta. Every Tuesday from 7:30 - 8:30 p.m., volunteers
prepare meals at Kashi Atlanta. The next day at lunchtime,
we distribute 300 meals or more in downtown Atlanta.
Street Meals is supported by a dedicated corps of volunteers
who are committed to seva - selfless service –
as an extension of their yoga practice. Teaching people
about the joy of community service is a part of our
commitment.
We have just begun. We are working with different shelters
and organizations with similar goals to expand the assistance
available on our streets. We believe that there are
no throw-away people.
We also need financial contributions. We can feed someone
a good meal for $1.00, so no donation is too small or
too large.
We need volunteers to help make and distribute meals,
to organize pick-up and delivery of food donations,
to pick up donations, and to shop for food that hasn’t
been donated. You can also sign up to donate any of
the items above, make cookies or muffins, get your employers
to donate, or find us a source for bread, chips, drinks,
and other food. Get involved and you really can make
a difference. Learn to live from the heart and give
from the heart.
For more information about Street Meals, contact Ty
Mahadev Bittner, our Service Programs Coordinator.
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