Those Who Bring Sunshine

Those Who Bring Sunshine ~ Sallie Jhalleimer

Yesterday, I stopped at the market for a couple of things and met a 67-year old lady who’d recently lost her husband of 38-years in the parking lot.  I was drawn to this woman.  Maybe it’s my southern heritage, maybe it’s in my genes, but whatever or where ever it comes from I love talking to people.  Yes, even strangers in a parking lot.

She’d just purchased a cat bed, and I commented on how lucky her kitty was.  When she said, “he doesn’t exist yet.”  From there she told me her story.  Her husband had recently and suddenly passed and the cat was to be her new companion.  I stood there several minutes, holding her hand, while she talked about him.  I sympathized with her loss and thought of my own mother as she spoke.  I shared her story and mine; wished her well promising to keep her in my thoughts.  She was so open and in a space of love, it was a fantastically beautiful moment.

A while later, in front of the ice cream case I met a young girl, maybe 9-years old, trying to find the perfect ice cream for her Nina; “Neapolitan with *real* strawberry pieces.”  I helped her search for a few minutes before spotting our prize!  Alas, “It’s light; my Grandpa won’t like that” so back in the freezer it went.  She thanked me and said she’d wait for Nina because she’d find it right away.

I was so delighted by her, I wasn’t quite ready to end our experience.  “Maybe you can help me,” I asked and explained that I was looking for ice cream for my boyfriend.  She considered it thoughtfully … “Does he like peanuts, my Grandpa likes peanuts?”  He really likes chocolate and maybe peanut butter, I replied.  “But does he like peanuts?” she insisted.  Her cuteness knew no bounds.  After several minutes more, she suggested chocolate malt.  I paused measuring what I knew of him.  She interpreted my hesitation correctly and to ease me into a decision, she read the description with great dramatic flourishes!  By that point, I was so smitten with her Light that I’d have taken pretty much anything.

Why do I tell you this story?

As one part of the daily managing of my gap, I’ve made it a practice to invite people to whom I am a vibrational match, into my life.  These two sweet souls are examples of the many daily blessings of beauty, wonder, healing, grace, and majesty I’ve received because of it.

Other people seem to have fallen away … they walk right past me with barely a nod or a mumbled hello.  Even associates I interact with several times a day.  Much to my relief and delight, they’ve (magically) taken their ego-based, drama filled conversations elsewhere.  Some who have drifted away have surprised me.  It’s been interesting and amusing to observe because they’re no longer infecting my vibe!

My point is that being conscious of the energy we take in isn’t so different from being mindful of the foods we eat.  We can get by on junk food or junk energy but it takes its toll on the health of our bodies and spirits.

I invite you to incorporate this into your practice over the next week.  I’d love to hear about your experiences!