How to feel happy, solid, free-spirited, and grounded in the moment? Follow your heart’s impulses without judgement or hesitation and experience blessings, even simple ones. At a recent fundraiser, the speaker said, “Close your eyes. Think what you’re grateful for, then share it with the person sitting next to you.” I turned to the woman on my right and said, “I’m grateful for you.” It just slipped out. A perfect stranger. Her eyes teared up.
My sentiment was genuine. In that moment I was so grateful to be where I was, surrounded by committed, involved, caring people. In saying those spur-of-the-moment words, I felt connected to her on an intimate, vulnerable level. And, thankfully, I didn’t feel weird or self-conscious. I felt happy, solid, free-spirited, and grounded in the moment.
I felt connected to her on an intimate, vulnerable level
At evening’s end, she leaned over, squeezed my shoulder, and said, “Thank you. It was so wonderful to have met you.” I don’t know if we’ll ever meet again, but seeing as how we live in a relatively small town and seem to run in the same circles, I imagine we may. It’s sure to be a welcome encounter.
I love being taken by surprise by my own heart. That moment was such a gift to us both. When we allow Spirit to move through us we experience Grace–the unfolding of unexpected blessings.
Vulnerability is key to our intimacy, as is staying present and checking in with one another
And by the way, my husband, Bill, and I recently celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary. He is still my best friend. We work at it. Vulnerability is key to our intimacy, as is staying present and checking in with one another. Sometimes, with work and other passions, we get distracted. It’s easy to become separated in our day-to-day lives. If either of us is not available when the other needs or wants our attention, we apologize, saying, “I can’t right now.” We make plans to pay attention or have fun together later. A round of rummy or a game of Scrabble, or a lingering conversation after dinner. These simple things bring us back together. As does white water rafting down the Nantahala!
