I believe it is not the main events that consume
our time but the small, side line happenings that imprint their mark upon us;
to be recalled with pleasure at a later date when recounting a tale. And
so it is now as I reflect back upon my trip to South Africa. A
land of vastness in both geography, and social standards within its landsmen.
Whenever I support my guy in an
Ironman (this time in Port Elizabeth) I like to take out some time for my
own reflections, on where I stand in the play of events.
The fascination of the ocean and the interplay of
light when the sunrises, holds a special place in my soul. My New
Zealand blood pounds louder when the waves roll! So for me it was natural
to awaken at dawn each morning, stroll along the beachfront, ambling my way
down to the seashore where I practiced Qigong Yangsheng with the rhythms of the
sea Gods. It is said that the patupaiarche (the Maori word
for fairies/angels) sing with joy as the sun rises. My own soul did
just that as the first rays of light opened up to a new day.
Afterwards an acquired habit from living so long in
Europe, drew me towards a small café that offered the most perfect Italian
macchiato in an elegant cup. The second perfect pleasure of a morning -
the first kiss of coffee upon ones lips.
The third part of my South African ritual
was the warm, open face of a beautiful South African man who sat each
morning on the broad-walk, singing Cat Stevens songs with the voice
of an angel. He had within him an inner sparkle that on the first
time I saw him, brought me to share a smile with him. He spoke softly
like the blades of grass that bend to the breeze, extending a warm welcome
to me in the words of his song. We spoke of where I came from, how often
he comes down to the seaside to play and why I was here.
Then this beautiful person did something that first
day, that had tears building up behind my eyes and brought a lump to my
throat. He said he would pray to God for me so that I would
experience only the warmth and love of the South African people, during my trip
to his homeland and be held safe in the palm of his hand while doing so.
This man whom many would consider had nothing to give, gave me a priceless
gift. Unconditional love.
The wonder of these three little things I embraced
each morning in South Africa still leave me breathless at the beauty,
simplicity and naturalness of their impact when you within the now.
Your Kourswhispers