Jul 3, 2010
We are Meant To Connect
Yesterday I was walking down a fairly empty street in Seattle, in a section of town that is at times filled with thousands of people, all heading in the same direction with thoughts of anticipation, enthusiasm, and excitement. If you haven’t guessed it, I was nearby the stadiums. At this time there was no game, only cars whizzing by toward the entrance to the viaduct.
There were a few people, but none of them were going anywhere, they were simply lingering at the edge of one of the buildings talking on their cell phone. I felt as though I was crossing into a different plane of existence, going from the present-day life of these businesses and into the grey empty space found in this stretch of sidewalk that wound around the viaduct entrance. My destination was not a different dimension, just my car in the parking lot a block away.
As I traveled along this curving section of sidewalk I passed a woman. At first I glanced at her to acknowledge she was traveling along my pathway. From there which route do I take? Do I keep my eyes looking forward, look at her as I walk by, or go so far as to actually make eye contact?
I found myself at first doing the safest by staying in my own world without including her any more than I already had just by seeing her pass me on the sidewalk. But I couldn’t stay there, my spirit was stronger than my social training, and I turned my eyes toward hers, seeking a connection. She never did accept this invitation, and soon enough had passed me by.
This encounter was a simple one that took only seconds, and it was nothing that could be considered eventful or worthy of writing about except that it did bring my focus away from my steps and into my heart and spirit. That in itself is worth more than a pocket full of gold.
We are meant to connect, letting eyes meet eyes, and as often as we let ourselves carry it beyond that point. How often do we pass someone without acknowledging they exist, or allowing them to give the same to us? How often do we let eyes meet yet not allow that connection to create a bridge for us, one that carries us from our own usual thoughts into a new place that combines our two perspectives?
We are meant to connect, and that connection did happen on more subtle energy levels, but it made no impression on our physical senses. This is a big, lonely world sometimes, even in a city with millions of people. We can change that with every step we take, for we are meant to connect and enrich the lives of others.
Join us for the next Healing Drum Retreat August 12,13,14, 2010 near Chehalis, Washington. The Healing Drum is a time of connectivity, sharing, and expression with like-minded souls in a “welcome home” space. Call us, or use the contact form on the website to create that first-step connection.
Author and Spiritual Counselor Estee Taschereau is co-organizer of the Healing Drum Retreat. Sign up for the upcoming retreat to join with others and deepen your understanding of your purpose and passions. Estee is also available for individual counseling sessions in person or by phone.
