I missed an opportunity this morning.
As I walked out of the post office my attention was gently averted by a young man of about 30. He was thin with blond hair and carried a napsack on his back. He was wearing a "fatigue jacket," the type typically worn by war veterans. He asked in a soft, frightened voice....
Can you spare a quarter
so I can get something to eat?
My "judgment meter" came up immediately and I thought, "A quarter! What sort of con is this? What can you buy with that?"
But, fortunately, I paused a moment to connect with his presence. He was uncomfortable with begging and was near tears. It was as though his greatest fear was that I would reject or scold him for bothering me. He was timid, unassuming and tugged at my soul.
But then my judgment meter showed up again. Was he a con man like some other beggars? Did he only ask for a quarter to get my attention because of the absurdity of the request? Did that fatigue jacket really mean he was a veteran? Or was it part of an act?
I weighed both sides of these thoughts and it only took an instant for my soul to win. I said "Sure" and gave him a $20 bill. He looked genuinely surprised and gave me a thank you that included a grateful look from his dancing blue eyes and a warm touch on my shoulder that I can still feel.
It was one of those loving moments that we remember for a lifetime. The kind that soaks into your psyche and punctuates your existence.
But this moment was incomplete because my "guy stuff" came up and I missed this priceless opportunity to connect with him. Who was he? I didn't even know his name. Did he need more help ... or a a friend ... or EFT? Was he sent as a teacher to me?
But, alas, I went into the barber shop and, when I came out, my new friend was gone.
Sometimes we touch one another in unexpected ways. Fortunately, in the healing professions, we have these opportunities every day. But what do we do with them? Do we truly connect or do we keep these souls at a distance so we can "maintain professionalism?" Interesting dilemma, eh? Maybe we can think about that the next time we have a chance to deepen a loving connection. After all, isn't love the ultimate healer?
Love, Gary