Thursday 24 October 2013

How can I serve today?


Albert Schweitzer said it well: “I don’t know what your destiny will be, but one thing I do know: the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve.”

I woke up today thinking "How can I serve today?" If it didn't matter about being paid, being right, being politically correct, being normal, being unafraid of other people's opinions, what would I do?

It's not what I should do but what I will do, from moment to moment. Can my actions make someone happy, heal a heart or shift a person into a place of love?

I find it easy to be softly spoken and kind to strangers. It's my partner and family members who really present the challenge! I feel the surge of anger, the annoyance, the irritation so swiftly flushing my face red. The stinging retort, the snarl, the verbal cuts cannot be taken back once uttered but they teeter behind my teeth. And then Awareness comes in and I respond with the end in mind, love wipes away the nastiness. 

The peace and harmony I wish to preserve is a still pond.

Sunday 6 October 2013


The Power of a Kiss. 

I had the pleasure of baby sitting Sophie Wardman-Bui, 17 months old. She was a dream to take care of, no tears, no tantrums, always quick to smile. There is no artifice with a child this young. She radiated pure trust, joy and love. When I was busy doing dishwashing she would walk up to me and pat my legs to get my attention. With upraised arms and big brown eyes, she would beseech me for a cuddle. I immediately scooped her up in a big hug. Her beaming satisfied smile melted my heart. 

If I was 'asleep' to the moment I might have told her to wait until I was ready but the power of the moment would be completely lost for her and for me. It is a wonderful feeling when an innocent pure love is directed at you. Once she was restored she had the confidence to launch herself off heights more than half her own height with glee. She literally bounced off the furniture!

If she hurt herself you could see her face furrow in contemplation as to whether she should cry or not. I believe if I did not make a fuss she would take my lead and pull herself together. Every bump was instantly healed with a kiss. 
"All better!" Fingers, elbows and arms were proffered for more kisses. I was rewarded with a smile. 

Now how marvellous it would be if we could heal back pain, knee pain with just a kiss "All better now!"