a human connection.

We have the ability to learn so much from people, to extract their knowledge, feelings, attitudes, thoughts, and words. We also have the power to accept or reject this ability. We can sit and listen, but listen solely to regurgitate a response or a reply. Or we can sit and listen for the sake of truly listening, of absorbing the raw words, the spectrum of emotions, and beautiful thoughts that come pouring out of the human being sitting beside us. To listen and respond is an act of conversation, but an act of conversation that I believe our society has adopted, set up, and locked in as a norm. We converse in an arid manner, being sure that the next words that fall from our tongues and lips will be the right ones. We ask each other, “How are you?”, many times in passing, and the responses and answers are almost always the exact same. Do we ever truthfully respond and say, “You know what, I’m actually having a really rough day”? No. Because that would entail engaging into deeper conversation, and we just don’t have the time or the genuine interest for that. At least not in today’s society.

I cherish greatly the act of truthful conversation. And I cherish greatly those who engage in it with me. It’s such a beautiful thing to truly see someone, to hear their raw emotions and thoughts being spoken, and to see the sentiments and passions fall upon their face. When you truly speak to someone, you realize the honest beauty of human connection and interaction.

Some people you meet just get you. They understand you completely and are right there on the same page with you. Conversations have no time limit because you are both carried away in the flow of such vulnerable human emotion and speech. You’re able to feel each other and support one another, challenge each other and disagree with one other. You’re able to unpack the sheer mysteries and controversies of our existing life on Earth together. You’re able to pick out the inconsistencies and faults of our society and generation and discuss how we as humans have simply forgotten how to live. You’re able to appreciate this life for what it is.

When you find these people, hold on to them. Hold on to them, or let them go. Because people appear and disappear. It is the natural ebb and flow of life. If it is meant to be, keep them amongst you and beside you and allow them to enrich you. But if it is fleeting, allow it to be fleeting. Don’t force anything that doesn’t seem right or that isn’t meant to happen. Accept their willingness to stay or graciously allow for their departure. Sometimes we can only hold onto these people for so long, so let them teach you everything they are meant to teach you. Let them figure you out, let them ask you questions, let them hear your opinions and realizations, and let them appreciate you for both your beauty and your flaws. Let them marvel at your goals, dreams, and passions. Because not all of them will be around as each upcoming day arrives. So learn from them and teach them and embark on a conversational and experiential journey with them. There is no chance or coincidence amongst their presence, so go forth and allow them to enlighten you and allow yourself to become one of life’s teachers. No matter what, you will both have an impact on each other that will most likely never be forgotten. Even when you no longer have the physical presence of this person, keep them tight within your heart, close within your mind, and lingering at the tip of your tongue. Let them inspire you.

xoxo,

mg.