Does being homeless help you to sense of what it really means to be human?

Question

In what ways do you imagine or know being homeless helps a person to realize what the world is and what self is?

Really thats funny because I have a mental illness schizophrenia and I have been homeless. I dont see how these things are not a benefit to me as I have learned from them... But thanks for your imput.

But does not sensing your vulrability help you to understand yourself and others and thus my questions answer would be yes? Plz explain to me why not?

If these depressed people are truely depressed does that not mean they have a mental illness and should they not be getting help for it if possible? You say you work at with vets and help them but do you help them to find answers to problems they are having mentaly also or just phsical ones? I understand that you do your best my hope is that somehow I enlighten you in this respect if your not already and do your best with gained knowledge.

Yeah but honestly does believing in God really start with christianity or buddism? You say that your religion is better and is the way to understanding while others say theres is also. Do you think it might be better for them to explore spirituality before selecting a religion for themselfs?

ammthe I believe your answer to be the best so far. Anybody else want this 10 points really bad better work for it. Yes or no? Id suggest you dont even answer if you dont.

bluemoon is now in the running for these 10 fantasticly taste treats.

Does being homeful mean then that you have a well family and community? Does being homeful equate to living a happy life?

Very well put we may have a new runner in the 10 points answer battle royal.

SisterR what did it destory your faith in??? As for the last couple answers they have been greatly appreciated.

So shawnB wouldnt you say that if you hadnt been homeless you may have not realized these things sooner and thus being homeless was infact a great teacher for you possibly? Im not saying being homeless is fun or enjoyable just that it can be a learning experience.

Also shawn and anyone else listening. Does enlightenment come from walking the path others have walked before in the same way or by walking a different path in similar ways.

Answer 1

No, quite the opposite.

Homelessness demonstrates a breakdown of family. In addition to family breakdown, it also demonstrates the breakdown of community and the community's role in supporting the family and its individuals.

Homeless is a sad commentary on the values of a culture. Homeless is very often the process of a cycle of poverty that is "inherited" by the adult child from the parent.

Given what a homeless person must do at times to survive is a demonstration of the loss of self rather than a discover of the self.

Answer 2

Yes, I think it does because a person can enjoy the simple things in life rather than objects that keep them happy for a limited time. Except that most homeless people are the ones who turned to materials like alcohol and drugs. Earning money should always help someone buy the things they need not useless junk.

It matters on what kind of homeless you are talking about. Do you mean poverty in 3rd world countries or the homeless guy in the street asking for change and wearing brand new shoes?

Answer 3

Yes being homeless does help a person to connect with ones basic instincts of being human! A normal minded person who finds them self homeless, will very rapidly find out really what a cruel world we live in!!!! You will find out how horrible it feels not to know where you are going to sleep at night, or where your next meal is going to come from! You will experience the anxiety of fear constantly, as you never know when some nut case might try to roll you or worse murder you! You will become like an animal, prey and predator, you will do anything to survive, steal, lie , cheat etc. etc. You will have been reduced to nothing! But, Ah, if you have the strength you can arise from nothing and into something once again, having learned just how resilient the self is and if directed properly can accomplish anything! The sky is the limit and can be obtained from the core of nothingness! Holy smokes whats with all the extra details!!!

Answer 4

When a person is homeless and having to totally rely on oneself then their perception becomes clearer. However I also feel that no matter the situation (homeless or not) life can be one big mixed signal. What I mean by this is.... When a person is treated unkindly and harsh for a long period of time or when someone never has to fend for oneself then each persons personal view point on life becomes distorted. Not everyone is mean or cruel and not everyone has had life handed to them on a silver platter. Society as a whole is not the place to be finding answers about life. The only true place to find forgiveness, acceptance, love and compassion is in GOD. First start by reading HIS word and then get hooked up with a BIBLE believing church and work your way up from there. However you will still need to test everything according to GOD'S word. Not everyone who claims to be a christian is.

Answer 5

People who have had a traumatic experience or people who are depressed and have just given up are the homeless. There are so many programs and shelters that these homeless can go to, but they would just rather be by themselves or with a selected few. I work with veterans that are homeless and some of these guys get $2400 from their veteran's pension a month and they still live on the streets. After 5 or 6 days they are broke again, usually due to alcoholism or drug addiction.

Answer 6

There but for the grace of GOD go I. I am thankful that I have never been homeless, and can only imagine the pain a person goes through, Everyone should have someone to love them and a place to go. and someone with the pain of an illness no matter what the name of that illness is, has a very hard and rough time. and i can only say that I wish for you a warm cozy bed and some one to love you, no matter what.

Answer 7

I have been homeless ( than you Katrina) and it made me realize that the most precious thing I possess is my life. The breathes I take have become so precious to me. I don't sit and think about them but I appreciate them so much more. I realised that I CAN be happy with no material possessions, I realised that a person is not the things they possess or their job title or anything else external. The world is beautiful when you take the time to appreciate it and so is life.

Answer 8

I think it does! I was never homeless but I have always been on the verge of being one. I have been working in the human services field helping people who are homeless, addicts, PLWA/HIV, youth...the pay is horrendously low and living in NYC with that kind of salary will almost put you out there...with my clients!
Going back to your question, I once had to sleep in the park after a night of going out and forgetting my keys in my friend's apartment who was already fast asleep by the time I came by to get my bag (with keys). I went to the nearest park and laid on the bench...watched the sun come up...felt vulnerable...small...lonely and truly HUMBLED. For the very first time it hit me that I am just a speck in this vast and perhaps truly infinite universe. I felt like everything i know about myself just crumbled into tiny little space dust. I, for once, was a nothing. it was truly an ego check...an eye opener.

Answer 9

Neale Donald Walsh was homeless as described in Conversations With God. It provided him with all the contrast one could ask for, which made it very clear what it was that he really wanted. It took a while to realize that the resistance had to be cleared out, but I bet he wouldn't change anything if he could.

Answer 10

I think that living life to it's fullest helps people to understand what being human means. I think giving of yourself to improve the world around you is what makes you human. I don't think that being homeless gives us a sense of being human anymore than raising a child, rescuing a dog, or loving one another does. It's just another chapter in your life.

Being homeless gives one a different perspective of the world. But it is not ideal. It's not safe or sanitary.

That all being said, I wish you peace--and the answers you are seeking.