“Observe the wonders as they occur around you. Don’t claim them. Feel the artistry moving through and be silent.” (Rumi)

Rumi’s words speak volumes, of course. That’s why they have inspired so many. His words seem to find me at those exact moments when I am reveling in something that has impacted me.  When I read the simple, powerful words, I am freshly reminded of the little things in life that often make the biggest difference. Sometimes it is best not to say anything and just be silent.

Like when some one compliments me, I have been trying to not say anything and just let it seep in and enjoy the good feeling. Today at work, I was preparing a bio for a workshop that I will be doing in the Spring. I asked Barb to take a quick look at it. She started reading and said immediately, “Wow, this is incredible.” I was embarrassed and said something like, “How can you tell so quick?  You’ve only read one or two lines.” Barb replied, “that’s all I have to read.” I didn’t say anything else, even when she said it again, after she finished reading it. I just stayed silent and let it run through me.

Later in the day, Barb and Pat came over to my office and we were discussing the upcoming staff Orientation that will mark the beginning of another school year. Barb was anxious, because she has been asked to speak on a panel with the district superintendent about how our organization’s core values play out in every day work life. Barb hates public speaking, and has asked me if I can help her prepare for the panel. I started offering her encouragement and gave her some ideas as to how she might handle certain questions. Then all three of us were just chatting generally about end-of-summer school activities. After about 20 minutes, Barb casually commented, “you know, for the whole time we’ve been talking, you haven’t stuttered at all. Are you aware of that?” Then Pat asked, “yeah, why is that?”

Several thoughts ran through my mind in that quick instant. Like wow, how different this is from two years ago. Colleagues actually feel comfortable enough about my stuttering to comment and ask questions about it. I must be showing that I am comfortable with it. This felt WONDROUS to me. I spent years hiding and making excuses about my stuttering and never wanted to talk about it. And now not only is it OK with me, but it is OK with others around me. In my world.

So I responded by saying  “no, I hadn’t noticed. I guess I am so comfortable that I am not even thinking about.” Then Pat asked me again,”but how can that be, that you can stutter sometimes and then not at all?” I just smiled and said,”That’s just how it is.” And then I stayed silent for a long moment and let it run through me.

It ‘s amazing how I suddenly find myself really thinking about these little moments and how they have become a sort of commentary on my life.  I am comfortable with observing these moments and letting them in. I am not claiming them, just letting them run through me. And feeling the power. And sometimes remaining silent.

Are there moments in your life where you just let them in, wrap them around you and just feel them? How does it feel when you do this?