Every sunny day I would sit outside on my porch playing the guitar and in between the song breaks, I begin to notice what's in front of me from the streets, the park, the school to all of my neighbors on my block. To my surprise during these moments of observation, I begin to slow down to ground in the present- my heart began to open in seek of impact. I saw garbage on the streets, leftover snacks/drinks/candy in the park, people walking home from the Metro train station looking sad and depressed, and elderly seniors in need of company and help. It was almost a wake up call for me to do something and throughout my 9 years, I would sit on my porch and if I see folks who have been stressed out from work walking home from a long day getting ready to enter their family life, I would find a suitable song and play and sing it as loud as I can and when they pass by I would always greet them with kind words and a smile...I would walk around my entire neighborhood picking up garbage on multiple streets, clean the park and school of any litter, and clear any garbage that blocks the Chicago alleyways....I would spend time with the elderly in their front garden to keep them company, move in heavy things for them, tell them jokes to keep their spirits high, and sure enough they begin to see me as their grandson, their relative, their friend.... Doing this is not just to brag but it is truly makes my heart feel at peace and engaged that my family is not limited to the walls of my apartment but much much much more :)