The black Ford van pulled up to the curb at Terminal 3, door C. The Lyft driver came around to open the back hatch. He was medium height with a bright white smile. He said, “Hello” enthusiastically while he hoisted my luggage into the back of the van.
“Hello,” I responded while scooting into the car, “We’re in for a long ride together,” I said with a smile.
Ray, the driver, was quite friendly; before we had even merged onto the freeway, he was eagerly sharing all about his beliefs. Over the next hour, I listened to many interesting allegories of his faith. Then something shifted abruptly and he started sharing about his experience in the military, accompanied by detailed descriptions of how he had killed many people.
Over the remaining hour, I felt a level of discomfort as we drove through country roads in the rain.
Finally, we pulled up to the little cottage in the woods. I said goodbye to him and dragged my luggage through the rain.
I shut and locked the cabin door behind me and looked around when a slight panic set in. All of a sudden, I felt exposed, surrounded by two large glass sliding doors and many windows. I was in the middle of the woods, with no vehicle and spotty reception.
The impact of listening to Ray’s stories for the last two hours felt like an intense buzzing that agitated my entire body.
I poured myself a cup of steaming chamomile tea in hopes of soothing my nerves. After about an hour, I decided I would feel more comfortable if I jammed all the doors and closed the blinds before going to bed.
I left a light on in the front room and slid under the covers.
For about 30 minutes, my mind raced to all the ways someone may break in while I’m sleeping…and what they may do to me once they were in.
But then, I asked myself a question: What would Eckhart Tolle say in this situation? I stilled my mind and a question arose: Will thinking about all the gruesome possibilities help me in any way?
The answer came clear as day: No. I have done all that I can.
My body relaxed. I pictured the protective spirits of my pups around me and within a few minutes, I drifted off to sleep.
I find it useful to question my thoughts and determine if they are helpful in any way. Then I can take action if action can be made, or I accept the situation as it is.
Test it out for yourself and see what happens when you ask, “Is this thought useful in any way?”
Message me and let me know what came up for you – I read all my responses!