how can we show up for one another?
Hello Dear Friend,
I hope this note finds you with enough conditions to find peace in your breath.
Have you ever observed how people show up for one another? One of the greatest gifts we have in this walk of being human is in our interactions. I find people watching can be a wonderful pass time. Whether from a patio while silently sipping a favourite beverage or in other contemplative moments throughout the day.
In people watching, it's fun to become curious to what conditions make someone who they are in the world, what might have invoked the frown or fear on their faces, or the smile in their eyes. What’s the internal conversation under the body language and the force or hesitation in their steps? What story do they tell in their clothing choices and adapted styles?
Even more fascinating than watching someone’s individual presence, is observing how people interact with one another. The tone spoken, the eye contact or physical proximity they like to have around them. Is there an ease of sharing or is it static aggression? Is there a gesture of praise for someone’s efforts, or judgements for someone’s shortcomings?
This week I was at Women’s College Hospital having a minor procedure done. The waiting room on the surgical floor was busy. One of the conditions of day surgery is that someone must accompany you when you leave, even stay with you overnight. So many of the people in hospital gowns had family or friends with them.
Watching how people would show up for one another during adverse times of nervousness and fear warmed my heart. Sometimes because the tenderness of their love was so obvious that it rippled out into the room to comfort anyone present. Sometimes because people’s nervous behaviour makes them anxious and clumsy, and they fumble and trip over one another in their attempt to be useful. This too drew tremendous compassion in me.
I thought of Thich Nhat Hanh, who is referred to as Thay, for revered teacher. His very existence offered constant reminders to exercise deep listening and loving speech.
Finding grace in the act of being human is not often a straight path. Sometimes the road gets too narrow to find our footing and sometimes the fog dampens our capacity to see. When we are raised in homes of basic survival we may gravitate more towards ignorance than generosity of heart, as that tool kit will not have been developed. Yet there is nothing that will help us survive more beautifully than a desire for understanding, coupled with an act of giving what we do have.
When grace does arrive, it is never to us alone. The very essence of it will radiate off the recipient to all that are near.
The next time you have an opportunity to people watch, try to imagine who the person was when he/she/they was three years old. Then imagine what experiences they had in their life, up to the present time to make them who they are today. This exercise always fills my heart, sometimes humours me, helps me lighten my judgement, teaches me compassion and fortifies my gratitude for the opportunity to walk this earth. Remembering that we are never walking alone.
Although I have indeed hung up the hat of my jewellery career, I am chuffed to be able to have a last play at creating, while I still have the means. Thanks to all of you who made this career so delightfully meaningful.
I am happy to say that Mindful Necessities online pop-up store is now live, and the limited collections are for the time being available to purchase with no tax and free shipping on orders over $150. Please visit: mindfulnecessities.com
Wishing you a week of seeing and being seen in every precious way,
from Toronto, with love, a bow and a smile,
Gisele
