A Scene from the Community Centre

So finally I found myself a comfy seat on a bench overlooking the indoor community pool where my son is taking a swim. I sit here with another women. She tells me her husband is in there as well. We smile at each other and the conversation dies down. She stands up to see where her husband is. She is gently leaning on the window and looks around. All of a sudden a small boy, maybe 7-8 years old, runs out of the deep end of the pool and to the window where she is standing, literally right by her side. The only thing that is between them is the glass window. He is saying something. His expression is definitely saying, 'Hey! Why are you still standing there!? Jump in!' The woman turns to look at me and we both laugh. We agree this is a very cute situation. I know this boy. He is always playing in local parks, splash pad and pools. He is a bit autistic but very slightly.  He is known for showing his emotions "out loud."

The woman sits down. We agree that she must remind him someone he feels positive about otherwise he would run in a different direction. Instead, he runs to the window again and after a while again. Each time he has the same expression on his face and the same body language. His arms are raised as if he was an ancient Egyptian in prayer. I look at the boy's father who is sitting on the edge of the pool. He is smiling at us and gesturing that the boy likes the woman sitting beside me. What a positive atmosphere. I still keep smiling minutes after. How nice it is when someone, especially a child sees you in such a positive and inviting light! I am still smiling. This is gold! I am witnessing a real human emotion. Honest, true and real! Happy Friday my friends!

Hug a Day Keeps The Doctor Away!

Happy New Year! It is amazing to be back and enjoy the beauty of winter in Canada. I honestly am relieved that we have a winter like this because i think that if we have one as cold and as snowy as this we will earn a good and warm summer. I know it is a simplistic view of the climate change and synoptic studies but that is what keeps me sane in this cold!

Osaka-fu, 2012

I have been staying away from the blog because I couldn't figure out what would be a good starting post for 2018. So after three weeks I think I got it. I realised that it would be a good idea to seek out some ideas to find peace and harmony in our daily life. Pin point what is the best recipe or namely its ingredients. The first post is dedicated to HUGGING. And here is my story.

Last week I finally got a chance to see an optometrist who after a thorough examination announced his verdict. Ewa needs glasses! This time only for reading but nevertheless, I was shocked by the news! Me, who had taken pride in every little sign, a bus number, human face, a picture clearly seen and read from meters away! And now, NOW I will be saying to my son, "Oh, sorry I can't see! Can you pass me my glasses, please. No! Not the wine wine glasses!" This is a new one! But I will quietly admit that for quite some time I have been feeling a strange helplessness when trying to read a newspaper in poor light.

Without any delays, I marched to get my glasses. I had to read my newspaper! I went to chose my most lovely and the most comfortable set of frames at a very popular place. However,  I was told that since I was not a member they were not going to be able to help me. I must have looked very sad and worried because as soon as the lady was done talking she took a second look at me and said,"But i will do you a favour and have your glasses done." Her good will and kindness melted my heart. I felt gratitude, happiness, sincerity. I quickly warned her that she was helping me a lot and that her gracious heart deserves a hug. I jumped right into action. I gave her a friendly and warm hug. That is all I had. I gave her a sincere hug as a thank you. Bu it was a medicine for me as well because when i approached to hug her, right before i reached out with my arms i saw her arms opening!! Don't you find it surprising? I do. So this person was actually ok with hugging strangers! These days it is a rare sighting! Yet, this small instance renewed my faith in humanity! Yes! People of good still exist! People of good will unite!

I hugged a stranger and I liked it! Hugs everyday, my friends! This form of physical contact with other people, our loved ones, our friends as well as strangers is like best medicine for a plethora of symptoms! And I bet it has loads of vitamin B12! Relaxes and give an opportunity for light back massage! Allows you to express your need for attention, a thank you, friendship and peaceful intentions. So not to wait any longer, I am sending out hugs to each and every one of you, across the globe as well across the street! Hugs!