Smelling Flowers...

"Stop and the smell the flowers" is an old quote, and for my child, he took that to another level --- "Stop and smell All the flowers..." I had two tasks lined up for the day when we went out. Reaching down town, my mind was nailed to finishing the first chore on my list. However, while walking along Harrison road to reach our first destination, my son stopped at every flower stall to smell all the flowers in each bucket. After which, still not satisfied, he ran off to search for more flowers.

So he did find flower plots along the fenced sidewalk, and he had to stop and smell them too.

His gesture made me wonder, "Oh yes, why didn't we add that to our to-do list?" Or often, we don't have in mind, "walk happily while holding each other's hand along the road." As we walked to our second destination, twice, he exclaimed while skipping as he held my hand, "magna ak kastoy ta happy ak" (I walk like this because I'm happy). On one hand, these are not tasks, but spontaneous activities that arise from a child's natural rhythm to play and be happy without any particular reason. They simply shine with bliss.

The smiles on those flower shop vendors as they witness my kid take delight on each of their flowers is refreshing. This teaches us, as well, to bring joy to people - family, friends and even strangers. Reliving our blissful heart can make our days brighter and other's lives lighter. At our second destination, he saw a fellow kid and approached him with a smile. He then came back to our seat, grabbed an orange, and handed it to his new friend. This picture is different from how we, as adults, treat each other, especially during disagreements. Hopefully, we as adults can also relearn to be kind to each other, instead of causing misery to each other. We can hand sincere and honest words to each other, instead of giving out arrogant and sour words. Or we can lend a hand to one another, instead of being a burden to one another.

Slowing down to appreciate the beauty around us and taking time to understand our fellow human beings do not mean to deliberately delay finishing our obligations or to easily brush off arguments. Rather, we can face our daily responsibilities and settle disagreements with a light and calm heart. These spur-of-the-moment wonders remind us not to become robots, jackasses, and trolls. Sure, we need to pay our bills, shop, work, attend our appointments, and resolve conflicts. Yet, we can accomplish all these practical matters without rushing and without causing heartaches.

Indeed, we need to reconnect with our inner child to be able to perceive events with clarity and to be able to treat people with kindness. As I end this entry, my son is singing in the background, "Feel the light, shining from the stars tonight." and he continues with a hum...