08/01/2024
“Erika and Regula”
I have been away from home for almost a month now. The retreat in Finland was wonderful, and spending time with my friend, K, and her family filled my heart to overflowing. I then came to Switzerland and spent a few days with S, another friend and yoga student; sweet moments of lazy floating in the Aare river, lazy yoga on the floor, yummy ice cream, and just walking the city. I rented a bike a few days for some serious riding… of course. Then my friend left for her holiday and I was alone.
I filled some days with more serious riding…a “go to” solution for me…a swim down the river, a paddle on the Bielersee. I was feeling homesick and missing my connection with my friend here, and with all my friends and family.
Often when I feel lonely, I go out and exercise ( extroverted time with plenty of distance from intimacy with others ). I recognize that I am needing connection but often find it challenging to reach out to even good friends, let alone to be in a country where I don’t speak the language.
I found some nice connection and had many conversations with Reto, the owner of the bike shop where I rented. I chatted with the upstairs neighbor. I asked people for directions as a way to interact.
I have previously experienced meeting kindred spirits…you just sort of gravitate towards one another. And so I rode down in the gondola with a therapist and Shiatsu practicioner. Sadly, she had no openings! Their English was minimal and my German is non existent, but we communicated.
Today is my last full day here in Solothurn. I went out on my friend’s city bike with no expectations. I admit I am a bike snob, but a bike is a bike is pedaling… and I had a very enjoyable time. ( Another post for another time ).
Along the way, I stopped for a water. When I came out of the little restaurant, two gals In their cycling kits were trying to take a selfie. I asked if I could take their photo.
Meet Erika and Regula. We ended up sitting together for nearly two hours talking about work, service, traveling, cycling, kids, religion, and our histories: struggles, victories, what brings each of us joy, and what gives us pause.
They were friends from way back and were celebrating some personal victories together on a three day cycling trip. We had many common life experiences : church background, working with kids, being in healing professions.
I knew I was needing human connection, and I knew I was needing to be witnessed by someone. I am grateful I asked if I could snap their photo. I left with a bigger heart, and my photo being snapped by them.
Yoga practice, or any mindful practice, in a loving and supportive community, provides immediate and important connection for us all. If you are missing connection with others, seek a community or create a community where you can be witnessed, and loved.
