That which connects us



I've had so many conversations about love this week, there must be something in the air besides dandelion fluff and cottonwood fur.

And I'm not talking about romantic love. I'm talking about something more ephemeral, like molecules or wind or stardust. Each conversation seemed to wind itself to this idea: that love connects us all in some way only poets grasp and that maybe science will, too, one day. 

And the other night, as I walked home from seeing some friends, I remembered a moment I had many years ago when I was flying back from a business trip.

The plane encountered turbulence that tipped us downward, fast. Pens and papers and empty wrappers became airborne, and we strained against our seat belts. You could hear, see, and feel the fear all around, a breathless sensation that death was close.

Looking back, I'm sure it was a moment that my life might have flashed in front of me. But that's not what happened.

Instead, I recall a sense of time slowing down and exquisite quiet encircling me.


I've only felt that one other time in my life, and that was when my mother died in my arms in the wee hours of the morning, when her labored exhalations turned into whispers, and slowly, slowly they faded and then stopped.

Moments later, I felt bathed in warmth and glow, as if her spirit had expanded into light and washed over me, leaving only peace.

And on that airplane what came to me with perfect clarity was one simple thought: I have loved and I have been loved. And that is enough.

I have never been afraid to fly since.

Image by wetwater
Image by gari.baldi

 




Comments

Jinksy said…
This kind of love is the greatest power for good that anyone can find...
Unknown said…
I agree, if we could all love with that kind of power, don't see how it would be possible to hate.
ellen abbott said…
That love, that feeling which connects us all is the divine presence, the source from which we all come from and return to.
Joy Tilton said…
Revealing and comforting, God's presence in our lives.
Unknown said…
Oh, I do know. I had heard once about the concepts of Kyros--God's time and Chronos--our chronological time and I've never forgotten it or failed to appreciate it when I find myself in the midst of Kryros moments.
In the end it is, really, only love. We hear that over and over again in poems and great novels and Motown songs. Funny how it comes as such a surprise when we learn it over and over again:>)
Gorgeous photos...
Rudee said…
This most interesting post came at a time when I was reflecting upon the same idea. I planned it for my Saturday post.

My first experience with true love came at the birth of my first child. I felt so completely enveloped by this feeling for that bundle of wonder in my arms. I still feel that way about all of them. I work hard to love others in the same unconditional manner. That can be difficult, but I try.
~ ennui ~ said…
So beautifully put and really quite comforting.
:)
Joanna said…
Yes--love, that's really all there is. It sounds to simple and it's so hard to keep the awareness present. Thanks for reminding me today.
Erin Davis said…
I had a dream when I was a girl in which I felt the exact same thing. Every detail of it sticks in my memory. I believe.
Pyzahn said…
So lovely. Wonderful experience to share. We can all learn so much from each other.

I still have on my refrigerator an old "B.C." comic stripped that's yellowed with age. The caveman wakes up with a start and gasps "Peter!" (who is his friend he thought long long).

He walks out of the cave muttering "oh my goodness", then looks up at the stars and says "We're all connected."
Grace Albaugh said…
What a beautiful post Kathleen. My eyes are moist.
Kathleen said…
Grace: Thank you. You must have a very tender heart. And that's a good thing!
steven said…
hello kathleen, lovely to meet you. i really appreciate this posting because it speaks to something i've felt, then known for some time now and that is that there is an elemental connection which we can call love that binds everything together. i know the quantum physicist david bohm spoke of this at the sub atomic level as a force that defines the deepest mapping of the physical world. i think it might even go much further!! this is a lovely place to visit and i'll be looking forward to reading whatever you post here. thanks. oh by the way, i've added a link to this page for readers still accessing the original "transformative moments around the world page" which has all the pieces from that day. take a look. it's an unbelievable collection!!! steven

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