“Be the change you wish to see in the world.”
― Mahatma Gandhi
How do you make a difference?
Oh, the heat of summer in November. Can you believe it? Over the past few days, it has been hard to imagine snow tires, shovels and winter coats! The trees must be wondering what is going on and the snow is feeling robbed of its grand entrance. I love this weather however, it concerns me on the level of Mother Nature’s bounty reacting to this warmth by waking up prematurely and then finding the trick is on them when winter sets in and temperatures plummet! The heat makes a difference.
In this most unusual year, it feels like a gift that the weather continues to be warm enough that we can be outside walking, hiking, biking, playing in the leaves and enjoying the sunshine while we are still in isolation. It makes such a difference.
I was in to visit the elders this week and was able to sit out on the patio with one person and we did not need a sleeping bag to keep us warm. The sun has been so welcome at a time when frustrations are running rampant and troubles seem to be the topic of everyone’s conversation. I cannot believe the difference in each person I meet.
This weather also confuses our animal kingdom I am sure! Do you notice the dopey flies that bop around the room, bouncing off the ceiling, the walls, play in the corner of the windowpane and frolic in the light shades after 6 p.m., when it is dark? I have made a promise to myself that all critters are sacred, and so have taken to thanking them for their presence instead of grabbing for the flyswatter. It is harder than I thought. Just the other night I could hear something buzzing and tapping in the light shade and it was driving me crazy. In my wisdom, I thought if I just knock it out of the shade it will fly elsewhere, and all will be quiet! I bent the floor lamp down and knocked it and nothing came out! Usually, the fly would take off like a scared rabbit; not this time.
I pulled it closer to have a look and realized it was a different bug, not a fly. One that was caught in the bowl of the shade and was going to cook right before my eyes. I quickly got a tissue, captured it and released it to a cooler environment. I imagined it was thankful. I had made a difference for that one!
It reminded me of a story I was once told. The Starfish Story This story of helping the world one at a time endears itself to me every time I hear it! My story where I care for bugs in lamps, I watch for snails on the sidewalk when I run, and dew worms. I pay attention to squirrels and their scurry, chipmunks and their bounty, people and their tears knock on my door when I do not want to answer. One by one, I know it makes a difference.
It is the ripple effect of a drop of water in the ocean. It shifts the whole body, changing the environment and makes a difference to the life of something, somewhere. As the winds churn up the waves on the beach, and blows change into the shore, clearing the souls of all those who breathe and reminds all to be the difference they wish to see in the world. My passion for movement makes a difference because my movement, my choices, my prayers can change the world one starfish at a time! How do I know? I know because it changes me.
Cynthia Breadner is a grief specialist and bereavement counsellor, a soul care worker and offers one-on-one home care for aging adults who choose to age in place. This care includes emotional support, physical care, mental well-being, and spiritual practices to soothe the soul. She is a volunteer at a hospice, LTC chaplain and a death doula, assisting with end-of-life care for client and family. She is the mother part of the #DanCynAdventures duo and practices fitness, health and wellness in the South Simcoe and North York region. [email protected] breakingstibah.com