In a time of ( further ) disconnect, disguised as connection ( think: 'social' media ), it feels really good when someone sees you for what you are and is genuinely interested in what you're doing/ are passionate about.
Luckily those people still exist
and now I think of it, I try to be one of these people.
Today, I had my morning coffee(s) and late breakfast at the local square ( that I visit less frequently, these days, as I often feel overwhelmed by the energy of the majority of people around me and, aside from that, I have a great thermos flask and can save money by making my own coffee and walking to a park, river beach, quiet place ).
After spending half an hour or so, sitting at a table in relative silence, aside from meeting one acquaintance who was in a hurry, I went to get some groceries.
In my town's nicest mini market, I bumped into a woman ( old enough to be my mother ) who tends to always brighten up my day.
She was genuinely happy to see me and vice versa. We only chatted for a minute or 5, stuck in between two isles ( filled with unhealthy, colorful stuff, like crisps and soda, screaming to get our attention ) but it was a meaningful conversation and I got to talk about my new book project.
When I told her what 'The Monster of Disco' was about, she was reminded of a book she had read on Buddhism, called 'Taming the Tiger' and she ended up describing an analogy of the nervous monkey (mind) vs. the tiger (mind), where the latter is constantly walking around the former in circles. It's an amazing metaphor and one that I can relate to perfectly!
I am experiencing this pretty much daily, especially when I am either too overwhelmed ( overstimulated ) or too 'busy' doing nothing, with too much space to think.
Anyhow, I merely wanted to point out how a brief, actual conversation, with someone who genuinely sees you for what you are, can make your day - especially in a time where most just seem to be too stuck in their own (monkey) mind to actually connect. Or, if they take their time for/ with you, they just want to share their drama in a complaining, victim mentality kind of way, gossip about others or talk about the misery in the world that the mainstream media focus on, further feeding the tiger and the monkey.
Believe me, I still do all of the above, every now and then, but I am very much aware of it and - if I can help it - I aim to have deep conversations that actually do make a difference, shifting energy in a more uplifting way.
This woman made me feel very good, in a couple of minutes time, in fact, I felt the warmth of joy radiating through my body, during our talk, and I am pretty sure that I made her day a little lighter too.
And now I almost forgot to share the story behind the included images:
In all honesty, before my mini market encounter, I had already laughed out loud, twice, due to the smiley faces that a friend of mine ( who works in the local bakery ) attempted to make for me, by pouring cinnamon, which I use instead of sugar, into my coffee.
Her second try ended up looking even more distorted than the first one. It made me laugh though and I do like imperfection, so if anyone can appreciate it, it's me :<)
( The monster of ) Perfectionism isn't one of the monsters in my upcoming book [The Monster of Disco] without a reason. In fact, dealing with perfectionism is a theme that I keep coming back to. It often isn't a helpful trait at all.
Without further ado, I challenge you to check out the included pics and try not to smile.
Enjoy the remainder of your day, keep smiling, don't listen too much to that monkey and don't forget to tame the tiger ;<)! 💚
