Thanksgiving is two weeks away. We are in the beginning of both the most
stressful time and the most joyous time of the year. How can we shift those angst filled vibes
into a joy-filled rhythm? Over the next
weeks, I will be offering simple practices that may help lighten the mood and
bring us into a place of joy and peace.
At the end of a recent program I attended, we received
homework. For twenty-four hours we were
to look in the eyes of each person that we met.
With each heart-centered glance, we were to affirm that no one is a cog
— everyone is a loving being, a fellow sojourner, a member of community.
Of course, being curiously daring, I engaged in this
experiment. In the beginning, my focus
was on connecting with the other through my eyes. I noticed that when my eyes actually
connected with theirs, the other’s face was transformed with a smile. I felt the smile on my face reflecting
theirs.
Soon I noticed each time I sought out the eyes of another,
my facial muscles tugged into a smile.
Our mutual smiles triggered brief conversations. By noon I was feeling the buzz of being in
community. As I rested in the moment, I
marveled at the change in my day. Deep
inside my being I realized that each moment of smiling connection triggered
change in both of us. And, the tendrils
of our joyous connection spiral out to others…the circle grows.
My challenge to you for the next week: take time to really
look at people. Find ways to communicate
with them through the lovingkindness in your eyes, friendly words, or helpful
gestures. Enjoy those moments of community no matter how brief they are.
Let me know what you experience!
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