We Are Better Together

Tim took this beautiful photograph of the Sleeping Beauty section on the Cromford Canal, in Derbyshire, UK.

We are all in danger of getting choked with the tragic events, drama, upset, chaos and confusion that is growing out there in the world. The noise being created is poison.

It could be seen as political to say it’s being caused deliberately, but there are a few things I have learnt in my six decades of life.

Firstly, if anyone wants to exert power, to win at any cost and claim victory, one of the first actions they take is to divide. In division, they can conquer.

Secondly, creating confusion spreads chaos like poison.

Lastly, fighting fire with fire is rarely a wise choice.

There is much good in many people, and we have not lost the ability to hear and feel our way to each other.

We were in a restaurant and our table faced the entrance. It was wet and windy, and a couple came in looking a touch dishevelled. As they waited to be seated, a Barry White song started playing. Without looking at each other, they started to sway and move their shoulders in tandem. As the hostess approached, they looked at each other and their smiles melted our hearts.

On a sunny railway platform in North Yorkshire, we met a couple from Australia. They had left their farm in the capable hands of farm sitters, and were travelling all over the UK visiting family and exploring interesting places. The lady expressed dismay at the unrest they had discovered during their holiday. We gently shared what was unfolding and some facts that hadn’t reached Australia. They shared what was happening in Australia, which we were unaware of. We had much in common, and some different takes on a few subjects. It was a great conversation, and we ended on a hopeful note, with hugs. There was a postlady who lives in Sussex and works in Kent nearby, and she contributed to the discussion.

Later on in the day, we saw our new postlady friend in the car park of a different town and then at another railway station as a magnificent, beautifully restored steam locomotive pulled in. We were delighted to meet again, and something magical happened as we watched the faces of the men around us. The wheels of this locomotive are massive as she stopped right beside us. The men’s faces shone with joy, and they looked like little boys again, as they stood silent and still on the platform. It was special, and we all smiled at each other as everyone started to move again.

While we were on holiday, we’d parked up and gone to the ticket machine to buy a parking ticket. The car park was by a stone wall, and a few people were sitting there at a bus stop. There was a young mum with a baby girl on her lap. The little one looked at me and held out her hand. Without breaking eye contact, I stepped forward and held her hand. Time slipped as our hands joined, and I stroked the back of her hand with my thumb. We simply carried on looking at each other, silently. I can’t remember what broke the spell, but I took my hand away and stroked her head before telling her mum what a special little girl she had in her arms.

Clarity can be found in the peace we create for ourselves and share with each other.

We don’t have to repeat the harsh words we hear or read, give attention to the people who are adding to the chaos, and add fuel to the dramas we come across in our daily rounds.

Small choices and actions could well turn out to be the change we all seek.

This week, I wrote a piece to honour a lady who loved sunflowers. These beautiful flowers stand together, bloom and then, as the sun tracks across the sky each day, they turn their faces and follow the light and warmth.

We are better together. 🌻

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