Tony thinks..

His skin was weathered and clothes were torn, but the feeling with which he played told me that he really was a street musician, and not just a bum. The music really mattered to him. I put the sandwitch next to him on the bench, and sat down tentatively, beginning to eat mine. When he finished his song, he thanked me kindly. We got to talking, and I found out he had led a very interesting life. His parents were in the millitary, so they moved around a lot. He said he never really had a home, instead he roamed around the country on buses and trains playing his music on the street to survive. Currently he had settled to Lawrence for the time being staying at the homeless shelter, which is relatively nice.  It’s unconventional, but it’s an honest living and a lifestyle choice, and I see that as perfectly legitimate, and I told him so. He truly was content with life which is more than many of us home-ful (haha) people can say.

However, his life was by no means glamorous. He looked to be in his 50’s and recently he had fallen and broken his hip out in the parking lot. He was able to make it to the emergency room and get treated, but standing up for extended periods is a problem which rules out most uneducated work options. The shelter is filled with drunks and druggies (both of which he abstains from), so peace and privacy are unlikely. He had no wife, kids, or other family. He did have friends at the shelter, though, and one of them even stopped to say hi to him as we talked. Every once in a while when got lucky and made a little extra, he would treat himself to a hotel room for the night. Still, there’s no doubt in my mind he was truly happy.

His only regret, he said, was that he would want to make enough money to get an apartment. So, I tried to come up with ideas to help him afford it. For example, Valentines Day was coming up, so I suggested that on the 14th he make a sign that says “Dedications to someone special $2.” He would have made a killing! The idea was unthinkable. “That’s pan-handling!” he said, “I would never have a sign.” Even though, he was homeless he still had an idea of dignity and pride, that he holds to dearly. I guess that was more important to him than having his own apartment. I could have mentioned other ideas, such as quitting smoking, but I knew they would fall on deaf ears. The bottom line is, he’s content with his simple life, and wasn’t willing to make the effort to improve his circumstances, even though despite his predicament, he still has options.

I think he must be the closest thing to a Buddhist monk I’ve met in person. He was very wise. If you happen to see him, give him a few bucks or buy him a meal. In a strange sort of way,  he inspires me.

Do you think this is a valid lifestyle? Is eliminating desire and living a simple life a much easier way to happiness than striving for wealth and power? Did you read this post from my Eager vs. Lazy Attitude post? If so go back and finish it! Haha.

Tony Programming