. . . so God divides the soul between people, and they share it.
I met a new friend today. She told me that her grandmother was a very wise woman and that I would love her. Then, she told me that we might share a soul.
You could say we hit it off.
From the first moment we knew there was something special. You know how that happens? When you can just be your authentic self in the presence of others? It's not every moment of every day, so when you meet someone you can be really real with right from the start, it stays with you.
Some of us are lucky enough to marry people we have that connection to. (I know I am . . . E and I celebrated our anniversary this week . . . on the same day my parents celebrated their 40th . . . and my brother turned 24). Other times those kinds of meetings can shape a particular decision we're facing, blossom into a deep friendship, and/or simply leave an indelible mark on us. We are changed.
If there's one thing in life that's unavoidable, it's change. Last week I returned from an inspiring gathering in Caux, Switzerland, called Tools for Change, hosted by Initiatives of Change. I went for professional development, guidance, and organizational outreach. I left with a long list of contact information for new friends and colleagues, a soaring spirit, and about 20 lb. of chocolate in my suitcase (not kidding).
I spent a lot of time that week thinking about change. Who needs it? What about myself needs to change so that I can go on making way for larger systemic changes? Will it be scary? Is it the right time? Why are others so afraid of it?
All the world's religions teach us ways to change, and they remind us that the very nature of our living means that we are changing . . . ever growing . . . ever dying. But we have the choice to decide whether we experience these changes as positive or negative - whether we are changing for the better, for the greater good, or not. It can be hard, very nearly impossible, to see all changes as for the good, but we do have the power to affect the ways we adapt to changes . . . how we react.
Today I am struck by how much I needed to meet this new friend. How she said things I needed to hear. And how grateful I am to have the opportunities to accept, welcome, adapt, interpret, integrate so many changes and to try to make them changes for the better. I guess only time (and those really honest friends and family!!) will tell . . .
4 comments:
Lots to contemplate. Thanks for sharing. Love, Maggie
Molly and Eric,
What an incredible blog. You guys remind me of Tony Bourdain of the Travel Channel!! I love reading about all of your experiences. The wrestling footage is priceless.
20lbs of Swiss Chocolate should keep Eric nourished for a few days!! Postive Serotonin Levels!!
Your experiences definitely make me re-think the way in which I live. What's important in life? How do my decisions affect the well-being of others in my community? The modern conviences I take for granted in America. The contrast between lifestyles/culture in all of your journeys has to make you rethink your raison d’être. Keep up all of the great work.
What a beautiful post. I had a really dark week and was ready to change my external circumstances. And conversations with a new and trusted friend helped me realized that what I needed to change was internal. I love you Molly, and thanks for sharing yourself with your friends, for being open to those experiences that heal and nurture. You are always such an example.
Thanks for continuing to visit our blog and for all your comments. I know I'm stating the obvious for many of you, but technology, when used right, can shorten distances, collapse time zones, and connect people for positive change. Keep writing and we'll do the same!
!شكراً جزيلاً يا أصدقاء
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