The Best Gift

A few days ago, a storm swept through our house. It struck like lightning out of the blue. And I don't mean the storm outside that's happening right now outside the window. It happened here, inside, between the two of us.

We've both been working on creating harmony between ourselves ever since we met and, most importantly, started living under the same roof. We both grew up in, let's say, a stormy atmosphere, so naturally one of the things we have in common is a strong need for peace. Preferably all over the world, of course. But since we can't influence everything, we try to at least create the best possible living conditions for the two of us and send out positive vibrations wherever we find ourselves.

But we're not perfect beings, personified Buddhas, and every now and then, a spark ignites a fire. Not warm, but with the potential to destroy what we've been building for years in a few moments.

That last spark was actually sparked by a crack. But when you want to look at things in depth, you'll find that even a crack can reflect big things. Maybe some aspect of your approach to life that would be worth thinking about and maybe adjusting it a little. And when you don't notice it yourself and someone else points it out to you - with the best of intentions - there are two ways the situation will develop.

The first is to take it as criticism, get offended, close yourself off, and stop talking. Or say that everything is okay when it obviously isn't.

Or you can do it by not taking it personally and thinking about it. Is there some truth to that? Openness is the second way of reacting that doesn't allow that little spark to fan the flames of destruction.

We went through about twenty minutes that day when the blazing fire threatened to consume us, but in the end, because we had already experienced many big fires together, fanned by our mutual influence, the awareness that what we both want and what we want for each other was harmony prevailed. All we want for each other are good feelings, a good life, only the best...

The fire stopped gaining strength and the storm quieted down even more when the person who thought someone had criticized him finally opened up and admitted that there was actually some truth to those words. And yes, he admitted, he would almost slowly let himself be dragged into the old, automatic reaction of closing himself off and stopping talking. At least for one afternoon.

We were both happy that we didn't let ourselves lose another precious minute of life due to an unnecessary misunderstanding that can always be explained if both parties remain open. And if, of course, there were only good intentions at the beginning.

We both felt that this was simply meant to happen. It was a symbolic reminder of one of the most important things in life: To have an open approach to life, to ourselves, to others, not taking anything personally and listening carefully to what the other person is trying to say and not being paralyzed by stupid assumptions or our own reactions built up in the past.

And this is, we both agreed, one of the best gifts we can give each other, besides wishing each other good health and not being afraid to follow our dreams, pursue our passions, be happy and cheerful, and rejoice as much as possible with others.

The best gifts often cannot even be wrapped. But if by some miracle they did materialize, I think we would need very big boxes to fit them in.

Harmony, peace, fulfillment, and all the other things that make lives enjoyable and meaningful are possible. If we are willing to listen. To ourselves and to others. If we want to live well. If we want others to live well.

Have a magical Christmas and enjoy it in peace, joy, and with an open heart and mind.

P. S.: We are working together on a small magical book that will be about the joy of ordinary moments, inspired by life here, on the island. It will be out soon!