"أحيانًا أرتدي قناع التزلج وألبس ملابس قديمة وأخرج إلى الشوارع وأتسول نقودًا."

The core idea here is about experiencing humility and understanding life from the perspective of those who have less. It's about stepping out of your comfort zone, shedding familiar identities, and seeing the world through the eyes of others—particularly those who might be struggling. This isn't just an exercise in empathy; it's a profound way to reconnect with the basics of human existence and remember that, underneath it all, we're all fundamentally the same.

Historically, there's been a tradition among some spiritual seekers and philosophers to intentionally live in poverty or disguise themselves to gain a deeper understanding of humanity. Saint Francis of Assisi, for example, famously gave up his wealth to live among the poor. While the ski mask scenario might seem modern and a bit quirky, the underlying intent is timeless—bridging the gap between different social and economic backgrounds.

Let me paint you a vivid picture of how this might work in real life. Imagine a successful CEO who feels disconnected from the daily struggles of ordinary people. Maybe the stress of corporate life has made him lose sight of what really matters. So, he dons old clothes and a ski mask (to ensure anonymity), and spends a night on the streets. He sits on a cold sidewalk, holding out a cup, asking passersby for spare change. At first, he feels awkward and vulnerable. But as the night goes on, he starts to understand the harsh realities of life on the streets—the cold, the hunger, the countless people who walk by, barely noticing him. It's an eye-opening experience, one that can't be replicated in boardrooms or luxury homes.

If you're thinking of applying this wisdom, start small. You don't need a ski mask or even old clothes. Try volunteering at a local shelter or soup kitchen. Listen to people's stories. Offer genuine help. It's about breaking down barriers and seeing the world from a different viewpoint. You could also spend a day in a part of town you normally wouldn't visit, talking to people, and understanding their daily lives. The goal isn't to solve all problems but to gain perspective and empathy.

Now, imagine you're chatting with a friend over coffee. You tell them about your weekend plans—volunteering at a local shelter. They give you a surprised look: "Why would you spend your Saturday doing that?" You explain that you've been feeling a bit disconnected from reality, wrapped up in your own problems. You tell them about the wisdom in stepping into someone else's shoes, even briefly. Your friend nods, starting to understand. You recount an experience where you heard someone's story at the shelter—a mother struggling to get back on her feet after losing her job. Her resilience struck a chord with you, reminding you of how interconnected our lives truly are. Your friend seems intrigued, maybe even inspired to join you next time.

Living this concept isn't about grand gestures; it's about small, meaningful actions. It's opening your eyes to the world around you, understanding that everyone has a story, and sometimes, the best way to appreciate your own life is by stepping into someone else's shoes, if only for a short while.