Over the past eight months, one significant change I’ve made in my life is my commitment to opening my senses to the world around me each day. I strive to embrace everything without judgment, maintaining a completely open mind. As a result, I’ve found that my daily experiences have become richer and more vibrant than ever before. What’s fascinating is that this openness is becoming my default state; I no longer have to consciously work at it—it simply happens naturally.
One of the wonderful byproducts of this newfound open-mindedness is the way I engage with others. When I talk to people, I do so without any judgment or the need to prove myself in any way. This allows me to be fully present in our conversations. I listen attentively to every word, while also picking up on the subtle shifts in their body language. I can sense how they are truly feeling, beyond just the words they express.
The other day, I was sitting in my usual spot on the lawn behind the church, enjoying my lunch and meditating quietly. Suddenly, I heard some movement nearby. When I opened my eyes, I noticed a lady with a little dog on the lawn in front of me. She immediately apologised, saying, “Oh, sorry! I didn’t want to disturb you; you looked so peaceful.” As she spoke, her energetic little dog bounded over to me and practically jumped onto my lap. This delightful encounter sparked a conversation that lasted nearly 40 minutes. We chatted about nothing in particular, but when I said goodbye to both the lady and her furry friend, I took a moment to reflect on our interaction.
Looking back, I realised that although the lady didn’t directly say it, I could sense her loneliness. The dog was clearly her companion, and during our conversation, I noticed this feeling bubbling up within me. Without thinking about my own needs or the time I had “lost” from my meditation, I genuinely wanted to connect with her.
As I reflect on this experience and others like it, I’m starting to appreciate the profound impact that opening myself up to everything is having on my life. It’s surprising to realise how much of my past was spent running away from my feelings—whether through work or numbing myself with alcohol. Now, I’m learning to embrace life with all its complexities, and it’s a beautiful journey.
A New Lens
For months, I’ve opened wide my senses’ door,
Embracing all, without a judgment’s flaw.
A mind unfettered, freely soars and flies,
And life’s rich embroidery now fills my eyes.
No longer conscious effort, it’s my state,
To welcome all, however small or great.
In conversation, I am truly there,
Attuned to feelings, beyond words they share.
One day, a lady, with her playful pup,
Joined me in peace, where I’d sit and sup.
We talked of nothing, yet a bond was there,
As I perceived her loneliness, with care.
A journey’s started, where I’ve learned to face,
The depths of feeling, in life’s varied space.
No more the flight from what I truly feel,
But embracing life, with all its complex appeal.
