Sharing a quote by Thomas Merton which I find I can relate to how I am touched in my encounters with both strangers and loved ones …
in Oneness … 🙏❤️
“ The whole idea of compassion is based on a keen awareness of the interdependence of all (these) living beings, which are all part of one another, and all involved in one another. “
– Thomas Merton
In both cases I find that I am responsible for the experience, in that Wherever I may be emotionally, mentally and physically will inevitably influence the moment. I must be vigilant and open to the person regardless. Tough work.
Eye contact and an unexpected smile from a stranger always make me happy. The same goes for contact with loved ones–it is vital to really see them and honor them every day.
Unexpected kindness. I never take it for granted…even from family. People can surprise you in pleasant ways. It touches me to receive someones generosity and thoughtfulness and it especially touches me when it involves sacrifice, either through resources or time. It encourages me to find ways to express kindness to others. You might never know how much it will mean to them.
I love your description of the current state of affairs and sometimes it makes me so angry. Yes, things are crazy right now, but not everyone and everything. In the crowd of people there are others with there eyes open and attempting to see clearly and seeking connections. If you can connect with this person, who is grounded, who listens, who has something to impart on you, it helps make up for all the fear and loathing that comes with this “smart” device in our pockets. This thing can be used for love and connection. It’s a choice. Some people just don’t realize this yet.
When meeting strangers (in fact tonight I am going to an event where I know very few people) I am often touched by a sense of embarrassment. An awkwardness in the sense of not really sure what my place is, where I fit. I do have social confidence, and an ability to convey friendliness, it’s more this twinge of doubt. Am I supposed to be someplace else? With family it is more like listening for the rhythm and then getting into step. Or (for the surfers out there!) sitting on the board looking out to the horizon and reading the waves, waiting for the right one to ride. So I suppose rather than a sense of embarrassment it is a knowing that I belong and falling into line. With strangers I find I can surprise. They do not expect me to be who I am. With family I avoid surprises, which as a tribe we generally abhor.
Walking down the street or in the store and exchanging a soft genuine smile with eye contact with a stranger touches me. It reminds me that in a world of intense craziness we can still be still, venerable, and present in the moment. With loved ones, I feel touched when we are enjoying each others company in a way that comes natural and easy. There is an exchange of laughing, smiling, and joy weather we are eating a meal, watching a show, or going on an extravaganza.
. . . their vulnerability,
whether they be strangers or loved ones.
Someone I loved
pointed out to me many years ago,
that everyone has a ‘person spot’ . . .
it’s on the temple of the face.
That is where our vulnerability can be seen.
Vulnerability in others
inspires a tenderness in me.
Vulnerability in myself
does too . . .
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With ‘strangers’…..Connecting, real & honest for however long we are meant to know each other.
With ‘loved ones’…..same.
That everyone is trying to do their best in getting through the day
Sharing a quote by Thomas Merton which I find I can relate to how I am touched in my encounters with both strangers and loved ones …
in Oneness … 🙏❤️
“ The whole idea of compassion is based on a keen awareness of the interdependence of all (these) living beings, which are all part of one another, and all involved in one another. “
– Thomas Merton
I think I am touched by a willingness to listen, a desire to understand, and a sense of shared experience. They offer a lot patience and insight.
In both cases I find that I am responsible for the experience, in that Wherever I may be emotionally, mentally and physically will inevitably influence the moment. I must be vigilant and open to the person regardless. Tough work.
Eye contact and an unexpected smile from a stranger always make me happy. The same goes for contact with loved ones–it is vital to really see them and honor them every day.
Presence. Attentiveness. Genuine expressions of vulnerability, humour, aliveness, attention and care …
Kindness, interest.
This question got me to reflect upon what I respond to, but also shows me how to behave towards others.
Unexpected kindness. I never take it for granted…even from family. People can surprise you in pleasant ways. It touches me to receive someones generosity and thoughtfulness and it especially touches me when it involves sacrifice, either through resources or time. It encourages me to find ways to express kindness to others. You might never know how much it will mean to them.
Remembering that every friend was once a stranger, and this stranger can become a friend too.
That is so true and makes perfect sense
I love your description of the current state of affairs and sometimes it makes me so angry. Yes, things are crazy right now, but not everyone and everything. In the crowd of people there are others with there eyes open and attempting to see clearly and seeking connections. If you can connect with this person, who is grounded, who listens, who has something to impart on you, it helps make up for all the fear and loathing that comes with this “smart” device in our pockets. This thing can be used for love and connection. It’s a choice. Some people just don’t realize this yet.
When meeting strangers (in fact tonight I am going to an event where I know very few people) I am often touched by a sense of embarrassment. An awkwardness in the sense of not really sure what my place is, where I fit. I do have social confidence, and an ability to convey friendliness, it’s more this twinge of doubt. Am I supposed to be someplace else? With family it is more like listening for the rhythm and then getting into step. Or (for the surfers out there!) sitting on the board looking out to the horizon and reading the waves, waiting for the right one to ride. So I suppose rather than a sense of embarrassment it is a knowing that I belong and falling into line. With strangers I find I can surprise. They do not expect me to be who I am. With family I avoid surprises, which as a tribe we generally abhor.
Walking down the street or in the store and exchanging a soft genuine smile with eye contact with a stranger touches me. It reminds me that in a world of intense craziness we can still be still, venerable, and present in the moment. With loved ones, I feel touched when we are enjoying each others company in a way that comes natural and easy. There is an exchange of laughing, smiling, and joy weather we are eating a meal, watching a show, or going on an extravaganza.
‘going onto an extravaganza’…how alluring! Sounds like running away with the circus! Lovely image!
. . . their vulnerability,
whether they be strangers or loved ones.
Someone I loved
pointed out to me many years ago,
that everyone has a ‘person spot’ . . .
it’s on the temple of the face.
That is where our vulnerability can be seen.
Vulnerability in others
inspires a tenderness in me.
Vulnerability in myself
does too . . .
I love this. Thank you for sharing. With so much anger in the world it can be hard to remember that it arises from fear, which is vulnerability.
The same thing strikes me with both strangers and family — we are all remarkably similar and yet vastly different at the same time.