Turmoil...
in the streets and in our hearts. So much useless suffering...
OH! OH! I am so tired of being defensive and guarded. (The shields won't take it Captain!)
About four weeks ago, I decided to start smiling. I started saying "good morning" to people and smiling at them when our paths would cross at door thresholds and such. The result was that I was feeling more content and confident with each encounter. I liked bringing them a small amount of recognition of their humanity. I even enjoyed when it caught some completely off guard and they would suspiciously scowl. I loved the ones who thanked me. I truly adored the people who smiled back.
This idea came from my Buddhist who told me a story about how he chooses to consciously practice Loving Kindness Meditation while in the line at Starbucks. He acknowledges each person in the store and soundlessly offers them the simple lines of the meditation.
May you be happy.
May you be free from pain and fear.
May you walk at ease in this life.
The Buddhist said that he could choose to lose himself in his phone as everyone else is...
OR he could spread something immeasurable but valuable for others and mostly, himself. He spoke of how it was one of the high points of his day. He felt joyful.
I think I saw him very differently at that moment. He can be a complete a-hole at times, but he is consciously striving to be someone better. AND that alone, could change the world...
So please, smile at me and I will smile back.
It isn't a proclamation of my complete happiness...
It is simply me acknowledging the beauty in you.
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