Ethyl works a few blocks from the White House.

When the Federal Government shut down on 9/11/01, the streets were gridlocked and the subway system was shut down.

She decided to walk home. Walking had always had a therapeutic effect and it would give her a chance to think.

As she walked she encountered a group of handicapped tourists who were all in tears. She asked them what was wrong. They explained that they depended upon public transportation to get around and that they did not know how to find their way back to their hotel.

Ethyl said "Don't worry, I will help you find your way back and stay with you until we find your hotel together."

It was a long walk and they had to stop many times before they found the hotel. This gave Ethyl the chance to share Buddhism with them.

By the time they reached the hotel, Ethyl felt great. The anguish and worry of the day was washed away.

A year before, Ethyl was in the Middle East where she witnessed people who were gridlocked by poverty and terrorism. She felt helpless then. She doesn't feel that way now. Shakubuku is empowering.
 

[This experience was given at the DC Community Center on Sunday, 9/24/01]