An unexpected gift

“The gift you offer another person is just your being” - Ram Dass

I spoke to a friend this morning who is in a hotel in quarantine for two weeks.  My biggest concern for her was whether she could open a window to get fresh air.  When she answered no, I felt my stomach turn and I noticed my breathing shorten.  I love and appreciate fresh air and the idea of being stuck in a room for a fortnight without it felt unbearable and caused me to feel momentarily claustrophobic.  Common sense told me that there is air-conditioning and she was not overly-concerned by this lack of fresh air.  She knows that at the end of this period of time she will be free to go and see her family.

“Her strength and ability to be open to this experience was truly inspirational and she has given me an unexpected gift.”

Rachel Podger

It was her sense of presence and calm, her being, that took me away from my feeling of claustrophobia and brought me back to all of the opportunities that she has in this time of isolation.  It reminded me of all of the books that I have set to one side to read and the podcasts that I want to listen to and have saved for a rainy day.  This moment of connection with my friend felt like such a gift and a gentle reminder to stop and pick up my book and to be still and enjoy the moment of quiet and stillness that reading offers me.

My friend took her rebounder into isolation with her, and this has reminded me to research the benefits of rebounding.  I know rebounding can be helpful for the lymphatic system and want to learn more about the other benefits that it may offer.  I’ll feed back on this once I’ve explored it a little more.  I’ve opened my mind to so many possibilities this morning, all from one conversation with a dear friend, whom I’ve meditated with for a very long time and feel deeply grateful and appreciative of.  Her strength and ability to be open to this experience was truly inspirational and she has given me an unexpected gift.