Allyship: The What, Why and How (a 3 part series)

Having discussed the question on 'What is Allyship?' in my last post, lets now take a look at 'Why do we need Allies?'

Being an ally is nothing but being a support and let's face it, WE ALL NEED SUPPORT.

Like it or not, no matter how big, strong or powerful we may be, having someone to fall back on, having someone to lean against and having someone have our back is one of the most warm, natural and intrinsic feelings to have. Now, imagine having such a person and also being such a person to someone else. That is all that Allyship is.

So, why should you be an Ally then, what's in it for you? For starters, Allyship:

1. Makes us a better person: When we ally with a person or a cause, we are saying 'I am with you even though I may not be like you. I shall support and defend your right to be who you are.' This develops empathy and when one has empathy, you do not necessarily need to know or feel everything. Just supporting someone else's right to exist makes us more tolerant and humane.
2. Opens us up to learning: When you declare yourself to be an ally, the underlying connotation is 'I may not know everything about you right now, but my heart is open to you and so is my mind. I am ready and willing to learn, listen and absorb.' As allies, we automatically imbibe the virtue of being lifelong learners and that will always hold us in good stead, no matter what we may be working on.
3. Helps us live a life with purpose: Every ally needn't be a crusader, every cause needn't make you an activist. It's not even about finding your Ikigai. Even without all this, being an ally to a person or a cause, gives you something bigger and beyond yourself to live for. In that sense it keeps us going. Makes us feel like a big part of something or someone else's life. The sense of joy, gratification and achievement that comes with taking a stand towards something you believe in, is unparalleled.

So, what are you waiting for. Declare your allegiance to a cause you feel strongly about.

Live for it, live with it and live by it.

Trust me, it's worth it!

Stay tuned for the last part in this series on 'How to be an Ally?'