Open Your Heart and Drink
“Look at the faces of people whom you meet. Each one has an incredible story behind their face. A story that you could never fully fathom. Not only their own story, but the story of their ancestors. We all go back so far. And in the present moment, on this day, all the people you meet, all that life from generations and from so many places all over the world, flows together and meets you like a life-giving water if you only open your heart and drink….”
—Brother David Steindle-Rast
I like this passage. I often look right into someone’s eyes when passing them on the street and see joy, pain, or sadness. I often find myself looking at someone and asking myself “what’s their story?” I wish sometimes I could get out of myself more and simply ask them.
Thanks for reminding me.
This is beautiful. I’m always amazed when I start to talk to someone how rich their story is. It reminds me of that saying, “When an old man dies a library burns.”
We all have such a limited perspective that we bring to the table when we meet someone, or when we merely look into someone’s face. We immediately form an opinion without knowing their story. It’s human nature, but first impressions can be so wrong. We apply our standards and circumstances to people without knowing their stories. We should open our hearts and drink more often.
It’s easy for us to rush by people and never engage them, never truly SEE them, so @Jared, I think you are way ahead of the majority by making eye contact. I have been deliberately doing this more and I realize that it truly surprises some people, as if they are used to people glossing over any contact (even when they’re providing goods/services to others).
@Liz, I remember one older friend who I categorized as a “walking encyclopedia.” The library saying is too true. People’s stories *are* rich — I still overlook this sometimes as I hurry to end a conversation. (We Americans are so time sensitive!)
@Scott, we do label people — and people are way too complex to fit neatly in a single box. You’re right about applying *our* standards/experiences/perspectives to others (and then we wonder when we misread folks!).
Bottom line: Each of us has something precious to share with — and learn from — each other.