Most days a small act you happen to be fully present for can be all you need to make it feel like a really good day. The above photo reflects that moment for me today. I took it while waiting for my boys at their surf lesson in Sopelana, Pais Vasco, Spain. The beach was not very crowded today so people were spread out a bit farther than their usual, sardines packed in a tin can distance. I barely noticed the sweet couple above who were sitting 20 feet away from me, until they started to pack up for the day. It was like a beautiful dance as I saw the couple gently sit up from a reclined savasana position, laying completely flat on the sand, to a slow seated posture. Mind you, I very rarely see anyone over middle age sit directly on the sand anymore, so this was something in itself. Then ever so slowly the beautifully adorned woman gently made her way on to hands and knees as if in a yoga table pose. Next, with tenderness she leaned her hand onto her husbands shoulder, the other on her thigh, and ever so steadily she took a deep inhale and exhaled on the press to stand. The two to three minute process was with concentration, thought and great attention to breath and body awareness. Her husbands assist was sweet, kind and fully present. And then, it was his turn. The floral bride widened her stand to a little more than hip distance and put a tiny bend in her knees. The grace came as she offered her knight a firm hand to assist his rise. From a camel prep position the man raised his bent knee to a thigh parallel with the ground and foot firmly planted next to the woman. There was a pause, a small exchange of words, and a brisk change of legs to prepare for the assist. The man took a few full breaths, looked lovingly in to the woman’s eyes, and with matching inhales he rose to standing with ease. I was awe struck! I really wanted to go hug them both and tell them how much grace and love I felt in their presence. Unfortunately I still struggle as a foreigner to posses genuine emotion in my bumbling Spanish and I actually sensed they knew, by my gaping mouth and bright eyes that my day (and much, much longer) had been made.
Sometimes I wish I knew a little more of others stories or history. This was one of those occasions. But with just pausing to witness their tender connection I think what they revealed to me was all I really needed to know.
Be present, be patient, tender and available.
Namaste.