Yesterday I shared that usually when I have a layover at an airport, my focus in on getting to my next gate - period. But how this trip I decided to remain present while getting to the next gate. This minor shift in perspective and attitude, allowed me to see a few things I likely otherwise would have missed. The first lesson I learned was "Choose to be present in all areas of your life so you can make a difference, and so you can learn from your experiences." The second lesson I learned is that we should seek to experience compassion, and respect. The following experience illustrated the lesson that as people we long for connection, and we do better when kindness and compassion abound.
During my recent airport travel, there was an elderly woman, I will call "Joyce" sitting in a wheel chair on the jet bridge, right near the aircraft door. Joyce facing all the people walking toward her and then past her to get on the plane. To get on the plane, you actually had to go around Joyce. I've never seen a wheelchair bound passenger located in the middle of the walkway as Joyce was. An airline attendant was with Joyce as she awaited everyone to pass her before she could be assisted in boarding the plane. As I approached Joyce, I noticed people passing her without acknowledging her, and then I noticed her facial expression turn from an uncomfortable tolerant expression to a scared and upset expression. I then heard Joyce say "Joseph, where are you? Where is Joseph?" The airline attendant then asked if she was OK. Joyce responded that "No, I'm not ok. I am a cripple and I am here all alone." That is when the gentleman behind me in line and I locked eyes, as if to sympathize with the sadness, but in a helpless kind of way, as we continued to board the plane. As the airline attendant check-in with Joyce, I was reminded of the unpredictability of life, and that it is important to exercise compassion and respect toward others. I thought how it would sadden me to have my mom in a similar position. I wondered if Joyce suffered from any mental decline, and if she might be worried about the length of the flight and the inability to use the on board restrooms without assistance. I don't think I will forget Joyce's scared and upset facial expression, while she waited for assistance to board the plane. I choose to be changed by this experience, to take advantage of the opportunities to make a difference in the moment, to exercise empathy, compassion, kindness, and respect.
As I did yesterday, I encourage you to choose to be present in all areas of your life so you can make a difference, and so you can learn from your experiences. Exercise compassion and respect.
