THE KINDESS OF STRANGERS

Have you ever relied upon the kindness of strangers for your own personal safety? I was recently gifted with the experience of awakening to the presence of a soft, quiet stranger- who said with a gentle voice.It’s ok- I will stay with you, you are safe!

As I began to write this sharing I realized my life was filled with experiences of the support and kindness of strangers, when I required it the most. Whether it was the appearance of a Caravaggio angel who spoke English and understood cars who stopped to assist us as my friend and I were stranded by the side of the auto strada in Italy, or a guardian as I lay unconscious on the floor of the US Post Office.

How extraordinary both of these events were. The Caravaggio angel appeared, at a rest stop, stepping out of a small battered car, his face framed by dark soft curls and his luminous dark eyes filling his face. He appeared as my friend and I literally completed a prayer calling for assistance from someone who spoke English and had a knowledge of cars. He read our Italian manual, listened to our car, recommended what to do, how far to drive and where to stay in order to be safe.

My guardian of safety at the post office arrived unbidden. My last awareness was standing in a line, in a public building. My next awareness I am laying on the floor. When my “guardian” named that she would stay with me, that I was safe I found myself checking my inner state- I realized- I felt safe. This felt sense of safety came from within me and from outside of myself. Remarkable, as those around me used words of reassurance and language infused with the assumptions of fear, and scary thoughts I was aware that within me was a strong steady felt sense of calmness, equanimity and certainty of a positive outcome.

In the first instance we looked for safety and” rescue” from outside ourselves. The second event which occurred 3 years later, the sense of safety arose from within me and was supported by the unbeckoned , yet welcome presence and support of others.

What a blessing to track the unfolding within myself of an interior sense of well being and safety. What a blessing to experience the abundance of the kindness of strangers.

What an invitation and an opportunity to experience even more gratitude and appreciation. An opportunity to publically give tribute and thanks-for the kindness of strangers.