Possibilities
The skies have turned grey again, with temperatures dropping back to the mid-50's. The weather watchers are saying that the next week may also bring drizzles. Just as the tease of a shift into sunshine uplifted spirits, the return of the grey skies has dampened things a bit. Today is Tuesday.
Last weekend, the encounter with families and youth inspired the recognition of possibilities in humanity. The mix of kids who represent what is happening in the world today was reflected in their very being. Youth whose very identities reflect the diverse backgrounds of society, the new identities being formed, and futures that are revealed in the thoughts and ideas shared - make it all very exciting to witness.
The beauty of gatherings with people who bring their varied talents and interests to the moment is a huge source of inspiration. We must never underestimate what can happen when the spirits gather to celebrate together, to make time to do nothing more than "to visit" - a term that has almost disappeared in today's lexicon. Not to get a task completed, or to meet over an issue that needs to be understood or resolved, but simply "to visit.".
The visit is a placeholder of sorts. It is an invitation from the communities which are a part of our own lives. It is a manifestation of our basic human desire to be in the company of others whose voices we love to listen to, whose shared stories bring a new understanding of living more fully, whose enthusiasm for life or sadness over a personal loss is placed into a trusted space of caring and concern. It is an experience of time that is different because it reminds us that visiting is an opportunity to experience "engaged resting." One can talk, listen, observe, and often eat/drink, and be silent if that is where one lands.
We can get so busy being in a mode of working, caregiving, coordinating life's many different demands - that we lose sight of how refreshing it is simply to visit with one another. No reason or purpose other than a desire to get closer to being one with another (or many others!). In that moment, we are able to be in a state of learning more about ourselves and our connection to the broad contours of what it means to be living in today's world. In a good visit, one can emerge with a feeling of lightness, of inspiration, and gratitude for being blessed with the multitude of ways in which each person can touch another. And, of course, there is the chance to see the endless possibilities in how we find ourselves being gifted with seeing life beyond our own dimensions. Precious.