What became apparent to me over time is the essential essence of human nature and its rich mosaic. Queens, being one of the most ethnically diverse county’s in United States, afforded me the opportunity to experience individuals from all over the world. Almost every neighborhood is a country in its own right; the Indians in Jackson Heights; the Koreans, Chinese, and Vietnamese in Northern Flushing; the Caribbean Islands communities in Jamaica; the secular Jews in Forest Hills and the orthodox in Southern Flushing; the Greeks in Astoria; the Italians in Corona and Bayside – and dozens of other nationalities scattered around the whole borough.

When entering your home, its furnishing and scent would instantly reflect your particular culture. Whether wearing a sarong or a yarmulke, the strong identity with your nationality and religion was always the first thing I was struck by. However, within minutes into our talk, all these nuances disappeared, revealing another layer of humanity – our universal needs. It did not matter what you looked like what religion you practiced, what language you spoke, or what food you ate, as soon as you opened yourself and shared your dreams, your fears, your laughter, your tears, our common humanity shined through- we all want the same things –to be healthy, to be financially secure, to be heard, to be loved, to belong, to grow and to contribute.

On the other hand, I also witnessed the extraordinary darkness that lives in our hearts. I saw the acts of violence, heard the tortured thoughts, observed the compulsive behaviors, the anxieties, the addictions, the helplessness, the depression, the delusions - the seemingly bottomless gloom. These shadows, so pervasive in our world, exist to some extent in each and every one of us. Yet every person walks about suppressing them, thinking no one else has these thoughts or impulses, “there must be something uniquely wrong with me.”

My work was, and still is, to expose this fallacy. The human condition is challenging enough without our need to deny and thereby, be rendered unable to harness our dark side. It is time for us to embrace all of our attributes, from the darkest to the brightest- we are all of that! The darkness is there for a reason, it serves a purpose. Once we understand its purpose, we can release it. However, as long as we deny its existence, we cannot understand nor be free of it. It will continue to run our lives, creating further unnecessary suffering and destruction to us and people all around us.

Since Mobile Crisis, I have had the fortune and privilege to bring this awareness to countless of people, clients, family, friends and others, generally resulting in their ability to identify and work through their dark side in an open and nonjudgmental manner. Without fear from ridicule and criticism, we humans have an extraordinary capacity to accept and transcend our shadows. And when we do, we become more sensitive, more compassionate, more generous and more loving. With these attributes, we build each other up rather than break each other down. Life is difficult enough – can we please be honest and kind with ourselves and each other.

In conclusion, I would like to thank you, my brothers and sisters, for your contribution to my education, development and growth. It is because you were willing to expose all of you to me, that I have had the grace to better understand myself and humanity, thus, bring my lessons to others. Furthermore, without you, this endeavor could never have manifested. Thank you for your contribution to my life, and hopefully to many more lives.

With humility and gratitude,
Ronit