Window Wound Down

Mini moments of connection, with strangers, are just so inspiring. I love their unexpectedness. And the important reminders/learning they open up. One that I experienced recently has still got me thinking. It was only made possible though because this stranger chose to have his window wound down.

"The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you've gotta put up with the rain." - Dolly Parton

I'd been down the beach and was now walking home. It's only a short walk and not a very busy area to navigate. As I'm approaching a driveway there was a car with it's indicator on getting ready to pull in. I naturally came to a stop, then a subtle difference jolted me out of the routine I had just initiated.

"No bird soars too high if he soars with his own wings." - William Blake

The stranger gestured to me to cross first. As I walked I said, 'Thanks'.

The response, 'Always pedestrians first, everything else second'.

I shoot back sincerely, 'Thank you'.

That was met with, 'Have a great day!'

"Jump, and you will find out how to unfold your wings as you fall." - Ray Bradbury

It was such a simple interaction. Not unlike so many we'd have within a day. What made it feel different though was his sharing of the values that was driving his actions. We're absolutely all in this together. And it's not that our individual and shared values will always align completely. But it seems to be important that we have the courage to have our windows wound down as we interact with self, others and the world around us, and share what's most important to us (both individually and as groups).