A Glimpse of Light on a Cloudy Day
I'm not going to lie; just like many in this world my life has definitely not been flawless. But, call it a blessing or a curse I have always been a person with a half full, rosy glasses kind of an outlook. I am blessed with the ability to see the light when it would seem apparent to any rational human being that all hope is lost.
Like most of our Western society I have witnessed or experienced difficulties due to the economic depression, losses of love, declines of health and economic instability, war casualties and survivors, legal battles, sexual harassment, stalkers, and any number of unpleasantries or horrors. There is too much sadness, anger, deprivation, destitution and vengeance occurring in this world.
It is a difficult time, but we must find a way to see the light. I am not talking about the light that is referred to in the movie The Poltergeist, or what you would hear in a sermon. I am talking about a lighter way of living, a balance, sense of joy or harmony so that we as a people can rise above all of the pragmatics and responsibilities of our every day lives and still not only survive this current state, but possibly find a way to live better, love more and be healthy and more joyous. I know that there will be some that read this, if anyone does, who will think that I am a hippie with no real grasp of reality. That is okay. They can hold their opinion and live as they chose.
I chose to see the world in my own way. Not discounting or ignoring that there are so many that suffer, or need help and relief from their personal situations. I am very cognizant of them and wish them well and a better way. What I am trying to convey is that there are still so many things out there worthy of our energy that can better a moment or a day. Things that if looked for can bring us a smile, joy, and beauty to our world and our lives.
Some ways that I do this is that I will give a stranger an appropriate or polite compliment or smile. It's my goal to make at least one person smile everyday. Smiles are contagious and free. So try to smile at someone and if you notice someone smiling at you, smile back. It feels great and you never know, it could be that one small thing that turns their day around.
Sometimes, to find my own smile I go for a walk or sit outside somewhere and look at the world around me. I mean, really look at it and the purity and beauty that can go unnoticed in the hustle and bustle of our daily routines.
One of the most amazing experiences I had was one afternoon while sitting outside, having a cup of coffee and trying to find a solution to a problem. It was my intention to have my coffee, enjoy the cool air and clear my mind to try to get a fresh perspective. While I was sitting there I was looking and the clouds and noticing that there was an opening where the sun was trying to peek through and that two birds were soaring in harmony so free, almost dancing with each other. They would fly away from each other and then intertwine, in a sense, and soar apart again. Then they would come together and fly as a pair or couple, beautifully gliding through the air with grace and nobility. As I watched them they seemed to come closer and I soon noticed that in the opening of the sky, not only was the sun coming through there was a rainbow too. When I tried to focus back on the soaring birds I looked ahead and did not see them. For a split second, I thought the moment had passed and felt sad that it was over. Then, all of a sudden a motion caught my eye and they flew up, both from each side of me and over my head, crossing each others flight pattern and showing me the beautiful pattern on the under side of their wings.
It seemed nothing less than divine. For that moment in time, I felt their freedom, joy, hope, strength, truth, and beauty. I was frozen in this moment with them, clear and free of any chaos or weight that had filled my mind just 15 minutes prior.
Whenever I remember that time, I smile and not only remember the joy and the beauty, I am able to access the feeling again and I hope that you can too. I hope that you can love just a little more, smile a little more and find a little more light on a cloudy day.
Like most of our Western society I have witnessed or experienced difficulties due to the economic depression, losses of love, declines of health and economic instability, war casualties and survivors, legal battles, sexual harassment, stalkers, and any number of unpleasantries or horrors. There is too much sadness, anger, deprivation, destitution and vengeance occurring in this world.
It is a difficult time, but we must find a way to see the light. I am not talking about the light that is referred to in the movie The Poltergeist, or what you would hear in a sermon. I am talking about a lighter way of living, a balance, sense of joy or harmony so that we as a people can rise above all of the pragmatics and responsibilities of our every day lives and still not only survive this current state, but possibly find a way to live better, love more and be healthy and more joyous. I know that there will be some that read this, if anyone does, who will think that I am a hippie with no real grasp of reality. That is okay. They can hold their opinion and live as they chose.
I chose to see the world in my own way. Not discounting or ignoring that there are so many that suffer, or need help and relief from their personal situations. I am very cognizant of them and wish them well and a better way. What I am trying to convey is that there are still so many things out there worthy of our energy that can better a moment or a day. Things that if looked for can bring us a smile, joy, and beauty to our world and our lives.
Some ways that I do this is that I will give a stranger an appropriate or polite compliment or smile. It's my goal to make at least one person smile everyday. Smiles are contagious and free. So try to smile at someone and if you notice someone smiling at you, smile back. It feels great and you never know, it could be that one small thing that turns their day around.
Sometimes, to find my own smile I go for a walk or sit outside somewhere and look at the world around me. I mean, really look at it and the purity and beauty that can go unnoticed in the hustle and bustle of our daily routines.
One of the most amazing experiences I had was one afternoon while sitting outside, having a cup of coffee and trying to find a solution to a problem. It was my intention to have my coffee, enjoy the cool air and clear my mind to try to get a fresh perspective. While I was sitting there I was looking and the clouds and noticing that there was an opening where the sun was trying to peek through and that two birds were soaring in harmony so free, almost dancing with each other. They would fly away from each other and then intertwine, in a sense, and soar apart again. Then they would come together and fly as a pair or couple, beautifully gliding through the air with grace and nobility. As I watched them they seemed to come closer and I soon noticed that in the opening of the sky, not only was the sun coming through there was a rainbow too. When I tried to focus back on the soaring birds I looked ahead and did not see them. For a split second, I thought the moment had passed and felt sad that it was over. Then, all of a sudden a motion caught my eye and they flew up, both from each side of me and over my head, crossing each others flight pattern and showing me the beautiful pattern on the under side of their wings.
It seemed nothing less than divine. For that moment in time, I felt their freedom, joy, hope, strength, truth, and beauty. I was frozen in this moment with them, clear and free of any chaos or weight that had filled my mind just 15 minutes prior.
Whenever I remember that time, I smile and not only remember the joy and the beauty, I am able to access the feeling again and I hope that you can too. I hope that you can love just a little more, smile a little more and find a little more light on a cloudy day.
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