I am On a three hour layover from a meditation retreat in Wicklow , en route via Dublin before back to the UK. I decided to return to the same haunts I just visited one week prior , the cafe I frequented , the shops I visited, and parks I returned to. I don’t know why, perhaps a sense of familiarity, ease , or something more. When I ordered my first Cronut and cappaccino at a cafe, the barista said “did you give me a card earlier this week?” She explained she hadn’t visited the site yet but kept the card. This is why I come back to the same places…to feel a sense of connection and community in a city where I only stayed one night the week prior. To feel a sense of familiarity in this world in an unknown country is so comforting. We so often feel alone, but how precious it is to have simply a stranger acknowledge they remember . I feel guilty as I haven’t been handing the cards out as frequently or writing , but it’s a shift I am vowing to make. Someone today noted three beautiful questions to reflect to…
1. Who is the most important person?
2. When is the most important time?
3. What is the most important thing to do?
Think about it, the answers are below :
1. Who is the most important person? The person you are with
2. When is the most important time? Now
3. What is the most important thing to do?
Care
Enjoy and share 🙂
I was so moved by an impromptu talent show that arose last night . It was in Ireland at a mindfulness conference filled with mental health therapists , yoga instructors , neuroscientists and who knows what else. I wasn’t expecting much from the performances , and what was revealed was beautiful poetry from oneself , ancestors, or beloved famous poets such as rumi . There were Irish dancers , folk singers, a harpist, new age singers , storytellers, and even a one man improv show! 91 people from 86 countries. I left wishing I had a talent to share , and later went into my room to attempt and practice songs for future karaoke performances. I used to write poetry but all was about unrequited love. It inspired me to branch outward and instead of focusing on my specific pain , what’s universal . In the meantime please enjoy this poem that is one of my favourites :
It was low season, mid February, and rainy. After a two hour ride from Seville, 90 minute bus ride from faro, and a short taxi ride in lagoa, We arrived in the town of carvoeiro in the south of Portugal. You can imagine my disappointment that after this extended journey, our room was not yet ready. Another 90 minutes pass, as we wait in the time share lobby. Back aches, irritability, and boredom set in. What are we going to do here? A majority of the stores and restaurants are closed. I am almost finished with reading the second book on this 4 day trip, and I have nothing to do. I sleep early, upon rising, a quiet sense of gratitude arises.
If only all stores shared a similar sentiment…
if only more of us shared with the world a piece of kindness this stewardess did
During the holidays we are so busy doing last minute things… Rushing to the airport, scrambling for last minute gifts, trying to squeeze in time for seeing as many family and friends as possible. Â We are in this rush, but how are we treating the everyday people around us? The baristas, servers, doormen, or sales clerks. Â Our interactions with them can impact their experiences with their loved ones. Perhaps you can try to be present with each person you speak with today, look them in the eyes, express gratitude. You may find the impact of doing this also brightens your day.
It Only Takes A Smile 