A person very close to me recently lost both of her parents within two weeks. Such stress and loss. I participated in both funeral processions and as we traveled to the rural Kansas cemetery, both times I was struck and deeply touched by the kindness of strangers. As we drove slowly down a busy highway, many, many cars and trucks pulled off to the side of the road to show respect. I think that there were only five or so vehicles which buzzed past and did not pause.
Kindness, Compassion, Gratitude. All of these were present. Loss is such a universal experience that I am sure that each one of those drivers might have taken a moment to reflect and connect with another human’s experience.
This Fall, my brother invited me to participate in an online meditation class with him. The teacher is Laura Mead, a dear colleague of Sastun Associates, and it has been wonderful. This week we worked on a Loving Kindness Meditation which was highly impactful. Not only did we invoke kindness towards me and you, we also directed this kindness and compassion towards all of us. Laura’s meditation was all encompassing. We sent kindness to the past, present, and future.
It became clear to me that many of our actions can be mindful and meditative. Basically, all of them. Just like those drivers exhibited a moment of mindfulness and compassion, we can all lean in to being more kind and grateful.
In addition to being a wonderful meditation teacher, Laura Mead also is a very talented artist. Her work can be purchased online and in galleries and shops throughout North East Kansas. Click here to visit her website. I know that I am grateful to have Laura in my life. I’m also very grateful to Connie, our Office Manager, who is so caring and kind with all who encounter her. I’m also very appreciative of Kim, who is my web guru and creative person extraordinaire. Finally, my deepest thanks goes to my office-mate, Dr. Jane Murray who makes all things better.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone