Re-Homed & Off The Edge: Am I Home Yet?

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I’ve noticed that I’ve been occupying more of the apartment now. At first I definitely just hunkered down in the little bedroom, still somewhat sensitive to the possibility that this is temporary. But now I find myself lingering in different areas rather than just passing through them.

There’s still no couch or chairs in the living area, which is fine. I’m far from convinced of putting anything there just yet. Its part choice and part just kind of liking the empty space. It’s almost as if my mind might be able to be that empty too, and by empty I mean quiet and not grasping at too much at once. In the meantime I have sat there against the wall on occasion. It’s not a bad feeling to look up at the space and start to brainstorm what to put in there as time goes on. What can I say; it’s an experiment in progress.

I still ponder over the issues of identity and homelessness. It’s an important thing to consider since how we identify ourselves becomes a huge factor in what goes on in our lives. In some cases notions of identity come through pride, such as ethnic roots, cultural ideas, and even sports teams. You know that people wearing UH shirts or “Bloodline” shirts do so out of feeling connected to those identities.

But what about homelessness? I’d say that there is often a very strong identity there, just not a healthy or positive one. If people think of themselves as homeless, then that identity can sink in pretty deeply into the psyche. But in this case pride isn’t carrying the weight of identity forward; its shame, or anger, or frustration, and so on. Likely you won’t see someone wearing a shirt around that says “I’m homeless and proud of it!” Although, now that I think of it, maybe the irony of that might help break the stigma attached to the issue? It’s a thought…

In any case, I’m wrapping my head, and my heart, around who I am in my new space. It is slowly taking greater shape, and I feel no rush. I’m just enjoying my new home. And by the way, even though the 3-D Marilyn Monroe picture at Ross was super tempting, I passed on it.

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About the Author

  • Joe Bright
    Joe Bright
    Joe Bright is a graduate of Iolani School and went on to study art at The Cooper Union School of Art in New York City, and later Chinese medicine at The American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine in San Francisco. Joe currently runs a small acupuncture clinic, Kama’aina Acupuncture in Kapahulu as the first dedicated low-cost “community acupuncture” clinic in Honolulu. Joe has a varied background that has included working as a bicycle mechanic, freelance artist, teaching calligraphy and Tai Chi, a nanny, and even a CEO of a small entrepreneurial company. He continues to create art, even having work recently appear at the Honolulu Academy of Arts as well the Bishop Museum. He also continues with entrepreneurial projects when possible and serves on the Board of Directors for a local Buddhist meditation organization, Vipassana Hawai’i.
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