Reach out and Touch!

I had a phenomenal chat on the telephone last night with a dear friend. She recently traveled Europe and Australia for a couple of months. I love hearing about the world, the different cultures, attitudes, experiences. I love expanding my mind and learning about what others ways there are to live in the world.

My friend and I were discussing loneliness and happiness (never a dull moment in our conversations) and she said to me, "The reason the people in Europe seem so happy, isn't because they have lots of material possessions, it's because they have lots of relationships." When she said that I literally got goosebumps all over my body. I knew that what she had just said was absolute truth.

When I die and look back upon my life, it will not be a review of the amazing shoes I owned, or the great haircuts I had, or even the property, vehicles, or other toys. I will look back and reflect upon the love I shared in my relationships with others. What will really count is how I showed up for others, and how I allowed them to show up for me.

I've spent much time alone these days, as I've wanted to re-align myself with source and re-connect to my divinity (hence this blog). The truth is I spent an amazing amount of time alone. There is a certain sense of peace and self love I feel that has come only from spending time in solitude. Yet, I know that it would be incredible to maintain that sense of peace and love and bring them into my relationships.

I thought more about what my friend said, "In Europe, there are so many people that personal space is really limited. You are constantly brushing shoulders with people. There is always lots of eye contact too!" I couldn't help but reflect on how I see we live life here in Canada. When Paco (my son's father) first came to Canada, we went out for a walk in the neighbourhood one evening. It was the middle of summer, and no one was around. Paco was amazed and he said, "Toni, where are all the people? There is so much space here, and it is so quiet. Where are all the people?" I shrugged my shoulders and told him I didn't know where they were, and that they were probably inside watching TV. He told me that in Mexico all the people sit outside and visit each other in the evenings. He shared how if you are walking down the street past a party, you will be invited in, even if you don't know the people. Imagine that!

I've just recently moved to a new city, and I don't know my neighbors, I don't know people in my community. I don't know the people at the grocery stores. When I've attempted connection with these people, there seems to be a kind fear and trepidation, and averted eye contact. I've always felt a small pang of sadness when this happens. I will admit, I'm guilty of longing to connect with people, yet staring at the floor in an elevator, and not saying hello.

I wonder how different my life would be if I began to reach out and 'connect' with the people around me. Right now, in my very own community. I wonder what it would look like if I put more energy into that, rather than what is next on the television channel? What difference would it make for them as well? It became really very clear for me last night, that joy for me abounds in my connections with others. So today, my mission is to reach out and make at least one new connection! I will also reach out and re-connect with an important relationship with a family member.

It's going to be an unusally lovley day!