something happened in a barbershop ~ unplanned encounters
Nov 29, 2019
*Brian Wilcox. 'A River Draped in Winter'.
He was sitting, cello on floor, playing when I entered the barbershop on main street, Bath, Maine. He lifted his head to welcome me. I was surprised at how young he was, all the barbers from my past being much older, as though barbering was only for those older. I had turned back, when walking down the sidewalk toward my vehicle and returned to inquire about later getting my beard trimmed. The visit turned into a long conversation, without any incoming customers. He shared of his now training on the cello for a year, his back problem from slipping on the ice in his early 20s, of financial difficulties, his training to be a barber, and gave advice on purchase of a bulb to assist with depression during the winter months - the winter blues were new to me, having come from the sunshine state, Florida. Before leaving, he expressed, smiling, at how delighted he was by the visit. He had been alone, and he said getting bored. We said our goodbyes. I left, walking down the sidewalk, knowing something had happened beyond what appeared to be a common conversation. I felt no trace left of my having done anything in this hallowing, unplanned encounter, yes, no one having done anything. Yet, something lovely had happened, something kind and, as though, an unseen inspiration in this unplanned encounter.
* * *
Over the following days, this sharing time kept arising to mind. The sense arose of surprise that I had turned back, being a newcomer and outsider to the town, and entered the shop ~ as though what was needed to happen, happened, as I often write ~ spontaneously. Something happened, beautiful, and no one was present to say how or to claim having done it. The meeting lacked self-consciousness, as though an "I" was within, even surrounded by this sharing happening, a movement larger than any participants, even any choice to share. Yet, I was there, he was there, and more ~ we were there.
* * *
My sense, is this spirit of service is what I am learning, maybe have been being taught all my life. Earlier in my life, I had a strong intent to serve others. This was nurtured through my love of Christ. Many would say I did good for others devoutly and did it well. I was often commended for serving over time in varied roles ~ teaching, pastoral care, counseling, chaplaincy, writing, ... I took pride in this. Service was my intent, I saw myself as a servant. I do not see myself anymore as a servant, do not live with an intent to serve. I see in this lack of intent and identity, openness is present for naturally-arising opportunities to present themselves, for Love to occur. And is this not what service is ~ Love happening? And is not Love serving, serving being loving?
* * *
Serving others arising naturally in-the-moment
let it happen! get out of the way
caring is a natural unfolding with the way you 'walk'
keep 'walking' and you will serve and you will be served
all naturally unplanned
simply live with a silent "Yes" to Life
serve without intent to serve give without thought of yourself as giver
Life serves, Life is served one served, everyone served
when a timeless-moment of sharing arises let it leave when fulfilled, no traces, no sense of ownership, of "I" did it
service is one way Life keeps happening sacred exchange occurs in communion
then, like Life, serving is not personal so free of the limitations of a you doing anything
rather than you helping another, subject to object, you each are within Kindness unfolding of Itself
simply be the anonymous conduit through which others drink of the Water of Life
and in their drinking, you drink, for each one is One and the sharing one moment of Grace-happening
what is the 'perfume' left from this happening? Joy ~ selfless, grateful, serene bliss
*The theme of "Lotus of the Heart" is 'Living in Love beyond Beliefs.' This work is presented by Brian K. Wilcox, of Maine, USA. You can order Brian's book, An Ache for Union: Poems on Oneness with God through Love, through major online booksellers.
