As I left the parking garage today, I raised my hand to wave goodbye. One of my neighbors was the recipient of this gesture. He lifted his hand in response and waved back to me. This simple exchange made me feel good for the rest of the day, in part, because my neighbor doesn’t extend courtesies.
I should tell you that the history between he and I hasn’t been . . . well, neighborly. He is certainly not one to say hello in the hallway or hold the elevator at the mailroom. I have done all the salutations, smiles, and “Have a nice day”[’s] without a word in return, and because of this his behavior has led me to believe that he is not happy with his life.
Why would I feel pleasure from the mutual exchange of a hand wave? I don’t think it’s because I finally received something in return for all the effort I’ve put out. No, I think there was something else in the parking garage this morning.
I think the reason was due to the idea that every single one of us holds a special kind of goodness in our hearts.
This type of goodness manifests itself to various degrees depending on the individual. It is a species that is not conscious and voluntary but unconscious and involuntary. I don’t know the elusive name for this kind of goodness. AIl I do know is that it is witnessed when the giver isn’t truly conscious of it.
When the effort becomes involuntary, this goodness emanates from the soul; and from individuals where it seldom manifests, it’s remarkable when it shines through; especially when someone else is around to experience it.
I’m not sure that this will be a new type of relationship between him and me. For all I know, we will return to the normal routine we’ve established with one another. I will say, “Have a nice day” and he may say nothing in return. And I guess that will be okay, because I have seen what I know to be true.
My neighbor has given me a glimpse into that realm of goodness that exists inside each of us. A belief has been validated in a single moment by an unneighborly neighbor. That hand wave in the parking garage is the undoubtable link between his goodness and my optimism.
Copyright © Tyler Gant 2009
