The late morning was gorgeous. Perfect summer conditions in Texas – a sunny and expansive dodger blue sky with temperatures not too hot. A little steamy, I pressed the pavement appreciating the exercise, sweat, and quiet day surrounding me.
The walk took me along an open field that up ahead introduced a wooded area of trees, and then a neighborhood of homes. Off in the distance where the opposite side of the road was shadowed by a long row of trees, I could just barely make out the movements of another.
I was entering into the “fast walking” part of my walk, arms pumping and heart rate slowly rising, body happily adjusting to the momentum. I saw the figure reach the edge of the shaded area, turn a 180 and continue, now walking in my direction. She wore a sari and her gate was slow and steady as her arms opened, closed, were raised, then lowered, and repeated.
I felt myself light up inside…something about the sight made me smile. As we were drawing closer we looked at one another from across the street. We smiled, waved, and I found myself placing my hands in Namaste and with a light bow, wishing her well.
As I continued moving I heard her voice, stopped and turned. It seemed she loved the greeting and spoke loudly from a big smile! We each came into the street smiling, gently placing our hands in one another’s and, looking into each other’s eyes, just laughed!
Neither spoke the other’s language, but she did say “Nepal”. I acknowledged and now knew where she was from, this lovely woman with braided graying hair, big smile, oh so soft hands, strong body and clothed in beautiful blues and greens.
We shared expressions of womanhood, walkers, and outdoor delighters. A joyful moment and healing connection. It was as though we were fueling our hearts and minds with love for the day!
Laura Sarna