New to town, wanting to establish a connection with a medical professional should need arise, I checked in for my first visit to a clinic here in the Hudson River Valley of New York. As the receptionist was examining my insurance card from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Vermont, my home turf for the better part of three decades until last year, she said to the colleague next to her, “Vermont, that’s a state, right?”
Gratefully, that comment did not set the tone for my entire visit, nor did it take away from the receptionist’s overall kindness and attention to detail. In fact, I’ve amused myself imagining a clinic where all treatment reflected that innocent query: “Wait, the knee bone’s connected to the thigh bone, right?”
So why did I draw that goofy experience to me?
I ask because I’m of the persuasion that every occurrence comes our way as a result of the Divine Mathematics designed to serve our soul’s journey to Oneness. We’re always getting just what we need, metaphysically speaking.
The easy answer is the opportunity to ask myself: How do I perceive this or that with similar obliviousness? What am I equally unaware of? Things of likely greater consequence than the identity of Vermont, though some will roll their eyes. To me, it’s: What lack of realization has triggered every pain I’ve ever known?
That receptionist has led me to acknowledge for the umpteenth time the juiciest question of my life: “Wait, God is the only reality, right?”
This reminds me of a bumper sticker I once saw in Vermont: The heck with the U.S. I’m moving to Vermont. And yes, to those ever-present questions.
Steve; It appears that almost everyone believes that all of us out there is the cause of what is going on in here. Self-Realization does not exist in this frame or paradigm. Self-Realization, emotional intelligence, and personal growth, as you know so very well, all begin by surrendering being a victim, blaming others, including God and the universe. It’s not how hard we fall. It is how well we bounce that creates our future. It is not how I judge the receptionist, but rather always asking; “how do I perceive this or that with similar obliviousness? What am I equally unaware of?” Asking those questions open the window to the infinite, transforming everything.
It’s not how hard we fall. It is how well we bounce that creates our future. Beautiful. You can count on me stealing it at my earliest convenience.
Hi Steve,
I’ve also been asked that question about Vermont many times. It’s a classic! Maybe the best one I’ve ever heard in that realm was the time I was speaking with a travel agent when the subject of Africa came up. He said something to the effect, “Africa is such a beautiful country.”
I had a quick chuckle to myself, but thought about how many times I must have said something along the same lines.
We’re all just humans after all and we can’t take ourselves too seriously.
I’m in Santa Fe right now, visiting some of my best friends that I’ve been on mountain treks with in various parts of the world including, yes, Africa. I was thinking of you yesterday and your email popped up today!
Cheers,
Brad
And Yes, is the juiciest answer of my life.
How great thou art when a playground is dropped right in our laps.