My apartment in Lisbon sits on a busy corner in Campolide – a less touristy, mainly Portuguese-populated neighborhood in NW Lisbon. I chose this area due to its proximity to Parque Florestal de Monsanto, a stunning green park on a hill with miles of trails and breathtaking city views. It’s also a great place to immerse myself in the Portuguese language and culture, as fewer people speak English here than in Lisbon's tourist-dense areas.
My apartment was a former store converted into a loft, and it has a massive double door that allows light to paint my apartment with several shades of neutral sunlight. Xola likes to stare through the window of my double doors and watch people go by. I have mirrored film on the outside, so my blinds are always up, and no one can see inside. I love to people watch and see people move through their everyday lives.
Every morning, an older man, probably in his mid-80s, comes and starts at my window in my kitchen, checks his collar, and ensures that just enough of his polo shirt is visible under his khaki coat. He wears the same tweed paperboy hat every day, and he has this dark combination complexion of ruddy and olive that suits him well. I call him Oscar because he reminds me of Oscar the Grouch from Sesame Street. He’s always scowling, but that collar will ALWAYS be right.
I look outside this morning with so much gratitude for simply being in a place where after many delays, I’m finally here. I could not have made this move without the help of key people who helped make this transition much more manageable. Having support in my life is something that I’ve come to value. The people who know me well know that I’m rarely going to ask for help (I’m trying to get better at that) until there is something that I can’t do or don’t have the energy to do. Many of these people know me so well that they are three steps ahead of me and do things without asking, offering to do things for me that I might not have thought of. Many times, it’s just calling, texting, or saying they are there for me. If I need anything, I can trust their word that it will get done without a second thought. For those who have gotten me out of my apartment to walk. I appreciate you. I couldn’t have done this without you.
I don’t want to pigeonhole my spirituality because the way that I practice and the words I use to describe it changes, but the foundation of what it is and how it guides me always stays the same. Maybe I’ve become more humanist. I fail to see the differences in the way that people practice spirituality and religion. I think we’re all seeking the same things…we all want to have a good life and become the most incredible humans we can be. We can argue about how we get there, but it doesn’t matter. When you wake up in the morning, are you asking yourself how to be a better human to yourself and others? I think that’s a good start-perhaps all that matters. The most profound experiences I’ve had with people in my life have been with atheists, Buddhists, Christians, Jews, agnostics…people from all walks of life. Wisdom has no religion. I’ve had heartfelt moments with winos and homeless on the street. When you ask life for answers, don’t discount how it’s presented, and be open and present enough to receive the answers. Challenge yourself to see something new every day and to be challenged. We can no longer afford to live life on autopilot. You have to choose to participate in life minute by minute, hour by hour, and day by day. Just be willing to see it.
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