So I recently watched the movie Into the wild and memories of how I envisioned it from the book was brought to light. The protagonist was listening to his heart; and going on his own path in a contradictory way of being mindful of himself (and others), as well as being selfish. He longed for connection of what is around him, and goes out into the wild to feel it; feel the freedom, the challenges, the love, ultimately feel the connection with the universe. I have read numerous books that express about wanderlust and travel, and connecting as one with the universe, ‘the soul of the world’, and the more I feel present to myself and my surroundings, the more I feel connected, and on the right path.
Here in Kalu Yala I am surrounded by many people, from different walks of life, and connections among us have been made. Recently I have deepened my friendship with a couple more interns. I would see these beautiful people from afar, and wonder who they were. I would see her reading a book; or painting; or laughing. I would read his blogs and feel his presence, even within the crowded surroundings of others. “I want to know these people more” I said to myself; and the only obstacle stopping that from happening is me, I had to get myself out of the way. So I did, I got myself out of the way, and as I felt from the beginning – I was meant to connect on a deeper level with these 3 individuals. What a wonderful week this has been… Get out of your own way people.
In being present to wanting to be closer to these individuals, I was thinking how I would do that. Talk to them… Crack a silly “british” joke; let see them see I’m funny (or weird)… Be direct and tell them what is on my mind… Tell them I enjoy their company and want to get to know them more. “hey – I know we have been kinda living and working together for the last 3 months… can we be friends” I sound so cheesy – “hey I like you – can we hang out, tranquilo?”. I let go; I opened up, and expressed myself, and a deeper connection was made. There is so much power in sharing and expressing yourself, and equally with listening. Listen to yourself, your mind, your body and soul, and when you are present with yourself, you are present with the people in your life – and that to me is what love is: presence.
Why are certain people drawn to each other? Why do some people connect more than other people? These are questions I have pondered over. 2012 started out with me traveling with a new friend named Paul; it was an instant connection which was ignited by belting out ‘In Your Eyes’ by Pete Gabriel, and I am thankful for his friend who introduced us. A couple of weeks later I met up with another friend, more of an acquaintance really, and after one day, I needed a break – i couldn’t travel with him; Again I asked why do some people connect more than others?
One theory of this ‘connection’ I have is that we connect with people who reflect where we are in our life at that time; or we have had similar experiences. I feel this is evidently true for me. I asked the universe to connect me with these 3 interns; because I felt like I was suppose to know them, feel more, learn more… It I was answered 🙂 One intern described to me their me longing for a deeper connection with people, a hunger for it, and their feeling of being lost and on the wrong path. It was wonderful to be able to be there for them, and understand, as I too have experienced insatiable desires. I have learnt the depths of what it means to be attached to something, or someone… I heard in their expression this attachment and expectation, and it was great to connect, share and help them. The second noble truth is; Life is difficult because of attachment, because we crave satisfaction that are inherently dissatisfying, which brings fear. I connected with the other two interns in different ways; one answered curious, personal questions I had about them without me even having to express or ask anything. With the third intern I made it happen by asking to have some personal time scheduledduring our weekend.
Having learnt from the past, if something is meant to be – it will be; whatever the situation. So why do we have this desire to connect? While watching Into The Wild was the quote “Happiness is Only real when shared” grabbed my attention. It was a realization that the protagonist had towards the end of his journey, a journey he took by himself, in which he realized that connections shared are the happiest moments. Why do I want to travel with someone I am connected with? I love traveling by myself, and experiencing all the beautiful things this life… But why do I too, long to be with someone, to connect with ‘someone’ and see the world. Maybe there is truth in that ‘happiness is only made real when it is shared” – think about it… I know how I feel when I share something I love for example my last Peanut M&M. You know you want that M&M so bad… So bad you don;t want to give it away, but I do, there is happiness in sharing that, as you know that you made that person happy. It makes me happy to help make people happy; knowing that I have made a positive difference. The connections and experiences I have made with certain people within Kalu Yala and my job has made the whole experience for me. For me, looking back at this, I know my happiest times were shared with the people and the nature i’ve connected with.
“If you contribute to other people’s happiness, you will find the true goal, the true meaning of life.” Dalai Lama.
