Spiritually Focused Blogs

I was on my way to an appointment, crossing the street at the same time as an elderly woman. She had a cup of coffee in her right hand, as she pushed her wheeled walker with the other. It looked awkward and cumbersome. I offered to carry her cup. She said no and said, “I can do it.” I watched her continue to struggle, and gently offered again. She said no, and then mid-sentence said okay, internally realizing that it was a difficult situation to manage on her own. We walked across the street smiling, while she explained that she likes to do things for herself and that she is very independent. I laughed and shared that I was the same way! Once on the other side of the street, we stood and talked for a while. Laughing at even more similarities that we shared. We both fully enjoyed our meeting, and after a brief time continued in opposite directions.

What if I had been too busy to stop and help this woman carry her coffee? Or if I was so consumed with nervousness and fear of being late for my appointment, that I didn’t even think to offer to help her? I would have missed out on an experience that was fun and validating for both of us. I was validated because she accepted my gift of giving, and allowed me to help her. She was validated because I noticed her, and wanted to help her. We were both validated, as we shared mutual affinity, amusement, joy and communication as fellow humans on earth. I made it to my appointment on time, and although I’m glad that I did, having that five-minute experience was well worth the cost of being a few minutes late.

The very next day I was walking in the park with my dog. A man pushed a stroller while his energetic toddler walked and played around him. We chatted, and his daughter smiled the biggest smile of joy, excited about the presence of birds, and to be experiencing in the world. She saw that she had attracted my attention, and walked over and handed me a small rock. I was grateful for my gift. I wished them well, as I began to turn and continue my walk. The little girl frowned, walked over to me, and demanded her rock back. I gave it to her, said goodbye again, and continued to walk, as did they.

Still in the same vicinity the young child continued to interact with me. Holding onto my finger at some points as we walked. After a while, we got to a spot that I thought would be good for me and my dog to turn and start to walk home. This idea upset the little girl greatly! I heard her on the other side of the bushes behind us, crying. Her dad came out from the bushes with her and they were now walking in the same direction as we were. I told her dad that I didn’t mind continuing to walk with them. He told me she is friendly, but she had never done that before with anyone. I told him that I was flattered, and that I loved kids, which I do! The dad and I chatted as his daughter played and I carried my dog while walking. While playing with some gravel, she brought me three more gifts. One was another rock, and one was a piece of bark. She then brought me another rock. These gifts of nature, I was allowed to keep.

We passed an open art gallery, which drew the girl away from us. She wanted to go inside, and her dad was going to oblige. I wished them well again, and as her attention and interest was now on exploring something new, I nonchalantly slipped away, continuing my walk home, as they continued their adventure.

What if I had been on a hurry on my walk, and not stopped to enjoy the enthusiasm of this joyous, exuberant soul in this small, young body? What if I had been hesitant to engage in conversation, either because they were strangers, or out of fear of disturbing them? Did I have things to do that day. Yes. Plenty of work was waiting for me at home, and although I did feel a pull to it a couple of times, was it worth letting those “things” wait. 100%, absolutely, yes. I had no idea when I initiated conversation that I would be leisurely strolling with these two kind souls for fifteen minutes or so. But, oh my goodness! I am so glad that I chose to change the course of my day to do just that.

Twenty minutes out of a lifetime, is an amazingly short period of time. A very small fraction of time. Yet, these two instances were very grand, significant happenings that I will always remember fondly. Even now, as I write this, I am smiling because of the joy and love that it stimulates within me and my body. It would be fun to see them again. But if I don’t, they are two small moments that brought me big experiences, and lessons that changed my life. One was with a soul that was in the last chapter of her life, this life anyway, here on earth. Hesitant to accept my help and attention. The other was with a soul in the first chapter of hers, demanding my attention, and that I participate with her in her life. Both brought me immense joy and love bubbling over.

That same week I was walking again with my dog in the park and noticed a person looking into some bushes. Our eyes met and they explained that along with their co-workers they had heard a kitten and were trying to find it. After taking my dog home I brought back some food and treats, hoping to entice the kitty out. We couldn’t. Another person and I spent the next two days taking turns leaving food and treats for her. After not being able to catch her on our own, I contacted a local cat rescue that helped us. After they checked her out to make sure she was well and healthy, my new friend and fellow rescuer fostered her until she found her permanent home. In addition to the initial contact, I met a new animal loving friend, and helped a homeless young cat to continue her journey. She now lives in a warm, safe home with plenty of food and comforts with a new human and kitty friend.

What will your day bring? Be in the present moment and allow yourself to allow your life.