Once upon a time, there was a boy who liked spending time with a School staff a lot. This staff would help out during lunch hours, snack time, and aftercare hours of the elementary school. This boy will color and read books and spend happy times with this Staff. Staff’s name was Mr. Z and the boy’s name was Bub. Bub and Mr. Z were very good friends. During Bub’s time in elementary school, Mr. Z bonded with him. Bub graduated to middle school and moved to a different building of the same school, and so they lost touch.

Both of their schedule was very different and their friendship faded in the foreground of respective daily routines. Sometimes, they will see each other from a far and Mr. Z will wave. Bub’s response with time have evolved from hugging, waving, smiling and then just to a nod. Then came the high school graduation time, and Bub graduated and moved to a different city for his college.

As Bub was entering this new life of complete independence, he was on the seventh cloud. He went through college and then to job. He got really good acquaintances, however, there was a constant lingering call in the background which was calling him to connect. He couldn’t put his finger on it but something was constantly there in his conciseness, but invisible.

One Christmas eve, he was visiting his folks and was running errands for them. His side eye caught a glimpse of an old man who looked familiar. He turned his face to this stranger who was begging for his attention. And he couldn’t dare to go ask this man, why do you look so familiar? Do I really know you? He stood in the aisle playing tug of war with his feelings and resisting himself to go ask such questions to a complete stranger. But he felt that he is face to face with that lingering call he often has of his being longing for connection.

Then, he heard someone say, Hi Bub, “how are you doing? Long time no see”.  And Bub was pleasantly surprised to see that this man was the same stranger who looked familiar. The stranger voice was shaky and said, “Look at you, what an handsome man you have become”. Bub’s face dropped in total embarrassment. He asked politely, your face looks familiar, but I am terribly sorry, I don’t recognize you! The stranger said, I am Mr. Z from your elementary school days. Bub took some time, but his old loving memories with Mr. Z came back rushing to him. And he said, oh! Mr. Z, “how are you doing? I am so glad to see you”. Mr. Z said, me too! Mr. Z added, I run into your folks every now and then, they showed me your pictures. I also got your phone number from them and tried several times to call you. But I kept missing you. And after sometime, I couldn’t reach your anymore. But I am very happy to run into you again.

Bub felt bad, but he honestly wasn’t able to recollect all these details of missed calls. Bub invited Mr. Z for Dinner on Christmas eve, and they spent the night catching up. Then Bub went back to his work and life. For somedays he felt really good. But then again busyness of life swayed him away from this feel good space.

I feel like this is story of almost all of us. We are so diligently involved in making plans for tomorrow and keeping the schedule running on track today that, when these fleeting moments that brings us genuine connection times, we are not able to give it our full attention. It’s no one’s fault, it’s how things are. I ponder often, could we tweak few things… to make sure we don’t totally miss out on all of those genuine fleeting moments.

And in these busy times we also grow apart from our loved ones because, our thoughts evolve per the environment around us. And we are not able to distinguish between the internal voice vs noises coming from outside. Our mind space is cluttered. And if our mind is cluttered, then we won’t be able to take right decisions. It’s like trying to see the world with dirty glasses and keep cleaning the exteriors, when in fact we need time to clean our glasses. This might not be true with everyone and at all times. But I often wonder, when are those times when my glasses are soiled vs the soiled environment. And what needs my attention and efforts now. In those times, spending time in nature, with good books relieves me! Please share what your go to things are to keep in touch with your beautiful self?

Here is beautiful song to celebrate similar feeling from Sam Tinnesz

Please take care of yourself…

Love,

A Tiny Villa on a Hill