“What am I, chopped liver?” used to be my favorite saying. I’m short and slight, and easily overlooked, usually blending into the background. I used to get so frustrated at being ignored when waiting for service, or to be seated at a restaurant, even waiting for a green light (it never turned green until another car joined me at the signal). For a while I thought I was invisible; no one seemed to notice me. I sort of liked the invisibility idea. I could be-bop down the highway listening to rock & roll, singing at the top of my lungs, and no one would think I was an idiot, because they couldn’t see me! It’s amazing what you can do when you think no one can see you; I became very bold.
But, as I was on my nature walk today (I highly recommend daily walks through nature to help with introspection/prayer/etc.), it occurred to me that I was not invisible. I’m more like the chameleon, blending in with its background. In essence, the chameleon becomes one with its surroundings, part of the whole, almost invisible. Could it be that I’m not invisible – I’m merely getting better at being ”One with the universe”? I’m taking on the essence of what surrounds me, which causes me to blend in seamlessly with the life around me. This can be difficult (if I take on people’s dark emotions), but can also be exhilarating! I can take on the peace and stability of the trees I pass, or the lightness of a butterfly, or the engaging curiosity of a small child, or the wisdom and perspective of an elder. In experiencing all those things, I can lose my sense of separation and truly meld with spirit. It is a delightful feeling, sharing life with all that surrounds me. Now, let’s see what will happen at my next traffic signal….