He stands before me, t-shirt and jeans, looking as if he would rather be anywhere else. Yet here he is. And I find myself wondering if there is any warmth in his life? If he ever feels wrapped in warmth such that he can relax his guard, kick back, and just… be?
I will likely never have an answer to my questions, but I hope that he feels warmth in his life again as I know he once did. I know that I can infuse my surroundings and life with as much warmth as possible, and maybe, just maybe, that will thaw those who are around me, if only just a bit.
Warmth… My daughter spotted the first blooms of spring on a tree behind our house this morning, the latter part of February being warm enough to provoke the trees to waken from their winter slumber.
Our cats are often found basking in the sun or sitting by windows soaking up the warmth and possibly anticipating a day when the windows will once again open allowing them that much closer to the birds and the feel of wind in their fur.
My daughter and I shed winter coats favoring sweat shirts and jackets, enjoying our walks and the play of sun in the trees and shadows cast on sidewalks and lawns.
The world around us is warming from a somewhat chill filled winter… I celebrate this warmth and find myself drawn to the warmth that we can give to others.
Sometimes the most amazing feeling in the world, no matter the weather, is a warm exchange between people – a hug, a smile, the acknowledgement of a lifted hand or a friendly wave.
We can give warmth with a genuine invitation to someone into our homes or our lives or… the community. Warmth is spread through gratitude, appreciation, and acknowledging others and by staying open to see the wonder of each and the world.
My guess is that we each know what it is to feel a little cold inside; my guess is that we all have felt the warmth that comes from a hand held, a hug, a little help, compassion… That feeling we have when we are with someone or in a place that loves us and holds us no matter what.
Warmth…
What brings warmth to your life?
How do you give warmth to others?
***
RAOKA is founded on the idea that we can do little things to make a difference. The little things in life, the little things that we all can do and do daily – like laughter, express passion, gratitude… These acts are noted by various people in accordance with a theme chosen each month. The theme for February is "Warmth"!
If you are interested in participating in the RAOKA movement, please contact Zeenat, the lovely keeper of the RAOKA torch!
Other Raoka Crusaders and their WARMTH submissions(
~Tim @ 360 Degree Self wrote RAOKA: Palm Tree State of Mind
~Gayze @ Gazehounds Animal Communications wrote RAOKA for February: Warmth
7 comments:
M, I clicked the comment link to express my thoughts on your post, my hopes that your friend in the tee shirt and dreams find the true warmth that surrounds him, my delight in the descriptions of your walk with your daughters and your cats basking in the sunshine....
And then, my eyes fell on the quote at the top of your comments form.
"If ever there is tomorrow when we’re not together… there is something you must always remember. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. But the most important thing is, even if we’re apart… I’ll always be with you – Winnie –the-Pooh"
Now that, my friend, is warmth.
Hi Exception:
Your description of the person in the t-shirt intrigues me. Yet, I know that look, I've seen it all too often. There are too many people out there young and old alike in real need of the warmth you describe. I like your descriptions of both the physical and psychological versions of warmth...I say both are extremely important.
Thank you also for including the description of your daughter spotting the first blooms of spring...I felt warmer reading it.
In answer to your questions...I say a cup of coffee and a great conversation brings warmth to me. As far as giving warmth to others...I think I do that through giving others my attention and really listening to what's on their mind. It really seems to work. Thanks again for your post!
Hi TE, though it's presently raining here, I had a very warm few hours this morning in a meeting with two other visionary women looking to start a movement. I'm always amazed by how easy conversation and brainstorming sessions are when we're already on board with the same big picture idea. We take each other seriously whether we have puffy eyes, hormonal due to pregnancy or wearing sweats and no makeup.
This post definitely added to the warmth I'm already basking in!
Hi TE, though it's presently raining here, I had a very warm few hours this morning in a meeting with two other visionary women looking to start a movement. I'm always amazed by how easy conversation and brainstorming sessions are when we're already on board with the same big picture idea. We take each other seriously whether we have puffy eyes, hormonal due to pregnancy or wearing sweats and no makeup.
This post definitely added to the warmth I'm already basking in!
TE,
This post is warmth:~) I read the words and so many things you mentioned made me feel warm. I was really taken by the part about the cats. My cat is so delighted that she now sit on the screened porch and watch the birds. She always looks so warm and content:~)
I loved this line, "Warmth is spread through gratitude, appreciation, and acknowledging others and by staying open to see the wonder of each and the world."
Well said, my friend:~)
M!! This is beautiful!
All warm and fuzzy in its truest sense :)
I loved your description of all things warm..and be it the physical or the emotional...warmth is that necessity we cant live without.
Thank you fro your lovely warm contribution to raoka this month.
SO Much love,
Z~
M,
I *love* the way you write..your heart on the page..I feel as if I'm there with you..warmth to the nth degree!
I know your friend in the t-shirt. I've spent much of my life lending warmth, only to find sure I may lend you my light, but I cannot spark your fire if you have none..Love to your friend..
Thank you for choosing this topic of warmth..it was an interesting way for me to stretch..and I *love* reading each article because there are so many angles to warmth..
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