My neighborhood, Holly in East Austin, has had an increase of break-in and theft. One of my neighbors spoke with a police man about it, and he explained that the crime is moving this way as they are cracking down hard in the area just north of here.
I’ve been feeling paranoid since I sent away a few kids who wanted to do my yard. They offered to do the yard for very cheap. 3 people for a small $15 job? I don’t know about that… As soon as they arrived, the girlfriend asked if she could use the bathroom. Her tone and manner immediately sparked a nervous feeling in my chest.
Something didn’t feel right, but I didn’t want to deny the restroom. I didn’t know what to make of my intuition, so I walked her in and led her to the bathroom where I waited until she was done. The whole time she was in there, I felt very certain that something was up. When she walked out, she avoided me and went straight past her boyfriend toward the car. Their subtle interaction was telling. I couldn’t deny my senses, so I told them I didn’t need my yard done after all and they left. I’ve felt nervous ever since.
My neighbor had her brand new folding bike (and another bike) stolen from her fenced and locked backyard within days of this experience. She also had a guy and his girlfriend trim her tiny front yard space and noticed some guys cruising their bikes through the alley way behind her house.
Realizing these violations will not be stopped by the police, I have been feeling how important it is for neighbors to be connected and look out for each other. I made a little graphic to share my silent mantra. It came to me as I was breathing out my fears of being robbed.
This understanding extends to all corners of the earth and the human family as a whole. Whether it is referring to safety against the crime in our neighborhoods, or the safety of our global population against profit driven powers. When we are connected, we are protected. Connect to protect.
My dad just bought me a new scooter and I’d like to keep it thank you!
I am connected. I am protected. Over and out!
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How does such a massive shift as we are embarking upon take place? How does everything change in a matter of years? Culture, habits, beliefs, government systems, food systems, communities, urban organization, global structures, transportation, economy, war, poverty…. these conditions will evolve and we are a part of how they evolve. We are the shift workers.