Listening to the Meditative story podcast is a special treat for me. I always look forward to every new episode because I know it will help me press pause and kindly remind me of how magnificent the world we live in is. Through personal stories about hope, miracles, faith and courage, I am learning to be more hopeful, inspirational and courageous. Not only has Meditative Story taught me to live with an open mind but also helped me connect with my soul and observation at a deeper level. Some of the episodes have stirred my imagination and I have created lesson plans for my advanced students. I believe that one of the best ways to inspire today´s young people is by sharing empowering personal stories which carry a meaningful message.
And as the world is going through unprecedented times of adversity and uncertainly, last week´s powerful episode of the podcast touched my heart profoundly. The host Rohan Gunatillake shares three stories which illustrate how to channel creativity in new forms, be aware of ordinary magic and appreciate the people on the frontline. My personal favorite is the one about his son Arne whose vivid imagination transforms their staircase “into a giant magical tree full of wonderful creatures, its top reaching into and beyond the clouds”. He also built a boat out of their empty vegetable box for himself and his little sister announcing he was making a film. And guess what, he had even come up with a song. But what I admire most about Rohan´s son is that he loves spending time with his mum and dad now even though he adores going to nursery.
This story touched different strings of my soul and made me think about some of the greatest lessons this lockdown is teaching us about staying connecting and appreciating the little miracles in our lives. Without realizing it, people are being more mindful and noticing things which they would not have seen before.
So this is what happened to me yesterday.
While walking in the park, I saw a mum and her teenage daughter a few metres in front of me. What drew my attention was the fact they were talking, laughing, and connecting. I have to admit that it was quite a difference from the usual sight- parents buried in their phones or walking hastily to run their next errand. Shortly the mother stopped and pointed to the right. Instinctively my eyes followed her arm and there they were…two ducks cuddled up in the grass unaware of the chaos the world was going through. I stood up in awe, admiring the lesson these fowls were demonstrating: staying connected to feel safer and stronger; applauding this parent who decided to spare a minute and show the miracles of nature to her daughter; and lastly, feeling grateful for being alive and teaching my students to be appreciative and mindful.
So what I witnessed in the park makes me feel extremely hopeful that something wonderful will come out of this lockdown. I have faith that more parents and fellow-teachers will become aware of the fact that life is a miracle and it is our duty to show it to the youth of today.