What a night...

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What a night! My son and I attended an outdoor drum circle to celebrate the arrival of the autumn equinox. The energy was high and the vibrations from the drums and the people surrounding me were hypnotizing. The cicadas joined us in song and a couple of bats soared above our heads as though swaying to the beat. I bellowed a warrior call and raised my hands in the air as I sent my intention of release, renewal and healing out to the Universe. It was a beautiful time.

After the drum circle, we headed downtown. The windows were down, allowing the warm night air to blow through my hair and fan my face. We blasted ‘Uptown Funk’ and sang along laughing the whole way through. We parked the car and walked over to The Coffee Exchange where I saw a teacher I used to work with. We chatted for a moment and then my son and I went to place our order. I had a Chai Latte with almond milk and he had a hot chocolate with whipped cream.

We both agreed that it was too nice to stay inside so we headed back out into the night. On our way in I had noticed a man pan handling outside a pizza place and a shawarma stop. He had some change in a ball cap and was saying hi to passersby. He didn’t notice my son and I at the time but on the way out I asked him how he was.

With a sigh, he said that he was good. I wished him well and headed toward the intersection to cross the street. Something made me turn back. I asked him if he had eaten dinner yet. He said he would when he got enough money together. I asked him if I could buy him something from either of the places next to him. He perked up and said that he would really appreciate a slice of pizza.

I went in and because I normally order from a local, family owned pizza joint, I was initially overwhelmed by the menu at this popular franchise. My first thought was to simply order a slice but almost immediately my gut told me to get something more. I asked if there were any specials that night. The man at the counter told me I could get a medium, one topping pizza for $6.99 so I said “Sure, give me a pepperoni and throw in a Sprite too please.”
After I placed my order, I noticed a young female looking at me. I smiled and said, “I know you!”

I had taught this girl years ago and hadn’t seen her since. She had grown and looked so mature in her uniform. As far as I could recall, she had dropped out of school before finishing her credits. It was good to see her working and looking well. I asked her how she was doing and with a proud grin, she told me that she was doing well and was in college.
I was shocked and told her that I worked at the college. I told her where my room was and suggested she pop by sometime. She told me she would come by tomorrow but I had to laugh and let her know that it was a PD day and that I wouldn’t be back until Monday. She said she would see me on Monday and repeated my room number out loud to ingrain it in her memory.

I paid for the pizza and the guy told me that it would be ready in 10 minutes. I said that the pizza was for a gentleman sitting just outside and would he be so kind as to bring it to this person. He seemed a little shocked at first and then said he would.
My son and I walked out. I told the man that the pizza would be out shortly and he thanked me again. I told him that I hoped he enjoyed the meal and I wished him a good night. Before I left, I heard my inner voice, yet again, this time urging me to give him a hug. He was still sitting but I asked him if he would mind a hug.

He said ok and got to his feet. I gave him a warm hug and with all the energy I had picked up at the drum circle not that long ago, I sent it to him with love. He told me to take care and I said the same to him and finally, my little boy and I were on our way.

I don’t even remember what we were talking about but my son told me to shush because I talked too loud. I laughed and told him he should accept me as I was and pulled him in so I could put my arm around him. In the car, I asked him if he was surprised by what I had done. He asked me what part I was talking about…go figure. I asked him if he was surprised that I had hugged a stranger and he said, “No mom, that’s just something you do.”
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I share this story not because I did a good deed. What I did was, I trusted my inner guide. I listened to my heart and reached out to someone because it “felt” like the right thing to do. We are not strangers you know…we are all connected. I may not know you but you are a part of me and I am a part of you. If you have the opportunity to show another person kindness or to reach out in some way…do it! Trust your heart when you feel it guide you to extend your energy, your kindness…your love to another. You will never regret it no matter how it is received. Live with good intention and you can’t go wrong.