A picture I’ve carried in my head for a long time about experience, observation and communication is one of a lovely gem.

I have placed before me, in one form or another, a person, an item, an event, something old, something new, etc. Something that is new or transient can flash past. It could go so fast I don’t really get a chance to see anything but the blur as it goes by. Those can leave an impression, but, unless they come swinging back like some sort of yo-yo, my attention moves on.

The gem analogy for me emerges with people or things or any of the other things I listed above that I see again and relatively frequently. The attention focused on differing facets of the gem, especially as I turn it in my hand, show me things about the gem that differ from what I saw before, and give me a better apprehension of the the gem in toto.

Take the example of someone I see pretty frequently, but maybe not every day. On different days, this person exhibits different feelings or shades of feelings. As our relationship grows and deepens, other feelings and conversations reveal themselves. Being mindful, open and accepting, I can “turn the gem” and see innumerable aspects of this person and who they really are. I’ll probably still miss a ton, because I am limited by my only-too-human focus on one thing at a time, or my own filters, preconceived notions and beliefs, culture, and “programming”. However, investing attention and non-judgmental care in moments with this person delivers such treasures that even my clodhopper handling of the gem yields wonders, appreciation, love and care for this this other fellow person that I’m left breathless.

The more I turn the gem, the harder it becomes for me to verbalize the entire, holistic, total view and appreciation of this fellow traveler. When I reach the point where the other compatriot becomes almost indescribable to someone else, I know I’m crossing that fuzzy line where I get that we’re both equal components of this creation. This goes for all the other items I mentioned above.

We are all alive as connected creation here. As I remember, we were called out as being “Very Good!” from the Beginning, right?