If you look in a mirror you get a reflection. If you look in a mirror and frown, the mirror frowns back. If you look in a mirror and smile, the mirror smiles back. Whatever you present to the mirror is reflected back, and sometimes I wonder if what I see intensifies what I feel, which intensifies what I present, which intensifies what I feel and so on, and so on. Can smiling in the mirror actually make you a happier person? hmmm...
When I run on the roads I prefer a nice, soft, flat shoulder because generally the softer the terrain, the easier it is on my old body. Unfortunately that's rarely the case. Either the shoulder is too sloped, which is very bad for you, or it's too rough and gravelly, which, while not that hard on you is just plain annoying. That often leaves you with just one choice. The pavement. The obvious problem with that is, that's where the cars like to drive.
When I see a car approaching me, I generally wait until I believe they are close enough to have seen me, and if they don't move over at that point I step on to the shoulder. After all, while I may be an idiot, I don't have a death wish. When cars do pull over I always give them a bit of a wave, or a peace sign.
What I rarely do however is try to make eye contact, but not for any reason other the fact that I'm focused on my run.
Today I made a conscious decision to emphasize my greeting while looking right at each and every driver who chose to give me space. I was very surprised by what I discovered. Almost without exception they waved back. That was very cool, but what hit me even more was the realization that in every case there was a slight delay. I had the sense that initially all of the motorists were surprised to be acknowledged, but once they were they moved quickly to participate in our exchange.
And that's when I got it! They were simply reflecting back to me what I presented to them. And If my mirror analogy is valid, it would mean that we both ended up happier persons because of this brief interaction. Not just that. What about the next interaction both of us had, with whatever person came into our lives next. For me it was the next car on the road, but for the driver it could be the clerk at the grocery store, the homeless person on the street, or perhaps even a loved one. Who knows?
And if you believe in the greater consciousness, one that we all belong to, is it possible to change the world with a wave or a smile. I bet it is! Whatever you put out there, is reflected back....always!!!
My run went relatively well, even though I was a bit surprised to run out of gas at 26 kms. I made an executive decision to stop at that point, even though it meant a one km walk back home. I'm pretty sure that was the right decision.
All is well in the rest of my life, and I hope the same goes for you.
Run 26 kms, 2;15;26.
"Without deep reflection one knows from daily life that one exists for other people."---Albert Einstein
....and this guy managed to put all my ramblings into one sentence...
"The world is a looking glass and gives back to every man the reflection of his own face."---William Makepeace Thackeray
Love
Peter
When I run on the roads I prefer a nice, soft, flat shoulder because generally the softer the terrain, the easier it is on my old body. Unfortunately that's rarely the case. Either the shoulder is too sloped, which is very bad for you, or it's too rough and gravelly, which, while not that hard on you is just plain annoying. That often leaves you with just one choice. The pavement. The obvious problem with that is, that's where the cars like to drive.
When I see a car approaching me, I generally wait until I believe they are close enough to have seen me, and if they don't move over at that point I step on to the shoulder. After all, while I may be an idiot, I don't have a death wish. When cars do pull over I always give them a bit of a wave, or a peace sign.
What I rarely do however is try to make eye contact, but not for any reason other the fact that I'm focused on my run.
Today I made a conscious decision to emphasize my greeting while looking right at each and every driver who chose to give me space. I was very surprised by what I discovered. Almost without exception they waved back. That was very cool, but what hit me even more was the realization that in every case there was a slight delay. I had the sense that initially all of the motorists were surprised to be acknowledged, but once they were they moved quickly to participate in our exchange.
And that's when I got it! They were simply reflecting back to me what I presented to them. And If my mirror analogy is valid, it would mean that we both ended up happier persons because of this brief interaction. Not just that. What about the next interaction both of us had, with whatever person came into our lives next. For me it was the next car on the road, but for the driver it could be the clerk at the grocery store, the homeless person on the street, or perhaps even a loved one. Who knows?
And if you believe in the greater consciousness, one that we all belong to, is it possible to change the world with a wave or a smile. I bet it is! Whatever you put out there, is reflected back....always!!!
My run went relatively well, even though I was a bit surprised to run out of gas at 26 kms. I made an executive decision to stop at that point, even though it meant a one km walk back home. I'm pretty sure that was the right decision.
All is well in the rest of my life, and I hope the same goes for you.
Run 26 kms, 2;15;26.
"Without deep reflection one knows from daily life that one exists for other people."---Albert Einstein
....and this guy managed to put all my ramblings into one sentence...
"The world is a looking glass and gives back to every man the reflection of his own face."---William Makepeace Thackeray
Love
Peter
Something happened to me today and I decided almost immediately that no matter what your blog was about today, I was going to comment. You see, this morning I decided to take a quick trip down to Port Stanley to pick up some gifts at one of my favourite little stores in the village. As I was leaving the village I made a last minute decision to head the back way so that I could stop and visit my niece and nephew. I saw you coming a mile away and although I didn't know for sure if it was you - I hoped it was. Imagine my surprise when you not only waved but you gave me the "Jeep" wave - you know, the cool, casual "peace" sign. I was ecstatic - no, really, ecstatic!! So ecstatic that I almost hit the gravel after passing you. I smiled all the way home and for most of the remainder of the day and for that I am truly thankful to you!
ReplyDeleteI hope you have the best Thanksgiving ever and that you are surrounded by the people that you love. Thank you for being my friend and for waving at me today!
Monica xo
PS. Just in case there is any doubt in your mind - you were wearing red and yellow and you looked hot! ;)
This is a great post and awesome thought. I see this same thing every day in retail. It takes a really hard person to maintain a scowl when faces with a genuine smile and warm greeting.
ReplyDeleteLove happy odd john
Verbally told you yesterday my thoughts on this post...My favourite post so far from "FACE FIRST". Now after reading Monica's comment, how can it not be!
ReplyDeleteBTW Monica, what is the name of the store in Port Stanley where you like to pick up gifts? Just in case, I would want to buy something for my lovely husband!
ReplyDeleteRoo - the name of the store is Joshua & Co. I love it. Can you believe that happened to me yesterday? I believe that is the definition of good karma. :) Happy Thanksgiving!
ReplyDeleteLove it, all of it!
ReplyDelete