Holding hands
What is the story about holding hands?
I figured it out after going on an outing with my special friend.
When holding hands we walk next to each other; none is in front, none is running behind. We are two equals, two number ones, our divine self’s, enjoying our own and one another’s company, while having fun.
The other day my friend and I went for a day trip to Mexico-Tecate.
We are parking our car on the American side and walk over the border to Mexico.
It is quite magical. We step into a completely different world.
An unexpected joy bubbles up inside of me. I look at my mate and see the same happening to him.
Laughing like children, we take each other’s hand and walk beside each other in to Tecate.
We are having a wonderful day, full of laughter, new tastes, beautiful people and peaceful sharing.
At some stage during our adventure, my walking companion is desperately looking for a hat or a bandana to cover his head. It is really hot. Off he takes on his mission, striding out in front of me with his long legs. It only takes a few moments and I am trailing behind, no chance to catch up. I am rushing down the street while an interesting wee shop catches my eye. Stop! I step inside. Wow, what a cool shop. They make freshly shaved iced drinks in about 30 flavors. I am drooling. Ah, now I surely lost long legs completely. I step outside on the pavement. He is nowhere to be seen. I find him several blocks down the road. He is waving his arms in frustration.
What is going on; frustration asks.
Hey you, I got distracted. Would you like a freshly prepared lemon ice drink? I get us one.
Yeah, that sounds cool. Shall we meet down by the little mercado. I surely find my head cover there.
I go to my wee shop and marvel at how much love the owners put into preparing their drinks. Slowly I stroll down to the mercado, sipping on this delicious refreshment. I stand in the doorway watching my mate while he joyfully investigates the small mall. After a while he steps out of the shop with a big grin on his face. He puts on his new bandana. Now the pirate is ready to take on Tecate again.
On our way back to the center of town, we walk peacefully next to each other, happily sharing our adventure and the so delicious drink. This feels good.
There is no fun in running ahead and getting frustrated waiting. There is no fun in running behind and trying to catch up. When I walk with someone, I enjoy walking next to each other as equals, sharing our divinity. That is fun for me.
None is telling the other what to do or showing the other where to go, both are delighting in their shared adventure. Two number ones are enjoying each other’s company and having fun together.
When I do my own thing, I do that alone. And that is fun for me too.
The only person I ever need to lead is myself and that I do by recognizing who I truly am; I am divine.
The only person I ever like to follow is my divine self, that which is my highest and best in me. That I do by listening within.
The number one being to like and love is myself first and then I like and love my world the same.
Yes, I am a free spirit and that includes me enjoying; sharing and loving for it is my nature.
I had a magical time in Tecate with my special friend, a happy day in pequeno paraiso = little paradise.
Only now while writing down this story I realize my epiphany about holding hands. At the moment of experience it simply felt right and I was being me. Such a beautiful moment.
Rev. Dr. Anita Lopp