Day 076d: Greeting some longer-lost Friends … (June 29, 2019)
The Way’s foggy-misty flow was truly delightful this morning, and I arrived in good spirits at David’s wonderful donativo cafe in Larribar. Moved by his kindness (the cakes he offered weren’t vegan, and yet the cute cup of coffee certainly was), I decided to remain there awhile and make him a Peace Stone. Thierry arrived shortly thereafter and we hugged and he spontaneously gave me an apple. Three additional pilgrims whose names I did not know and yet who I had seen a few times before arrived as well, and I trounced any & all uncomfo9rtability by asking to be informally introduced. Pascal, Dennis, and Colette were amused indeed by my request, and yet the warmth of their smiles belied the deeper Truth that they, just like me, felt happy (and maybe even grateful) for our more open and intimate interaction* …
“One of the most spiritual things you can ever do is actively embrace your humanity. In this vein, choose each day to more deeply connect with those around you. Meet them eye to eye and offer them words of kindness – “Greetings, Friend!” or “You have beautiful eyes” or “You are Loved” of “I appreciate you” … Whatever you happen to be feeling that is in any way positive about the other, be sure to relay it to them. Smile often, send random texts, write anonymous notes – simply embrace the wisdoms of your higher and kinder Self and share the same with everyone you meet.” ~ inspired by Steve Mariboli
*Even here on a famous pilgrimage route, the all-too-common human tendency to gloss over encountered strangers (in favor of speaking with better known compatriots or striding onward to re-encounter already known friends up ahead) was often seen. In fact, of course, every single pilgrim met is just as worthy of our greetings and our conversations and even our friendships as any other with whom we might already be deeply acquainted. Remembering this Truth makes any pilgrimage exponentially more meaning-full, and carrying this Lesson back into the everyday makes any life far more worth living.
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