photo credit: Joelle Inge-Messerschmidt
On a hot 4th of July afternoon I was blessed with the opportunity to witness a dance of joy. My husband and I were lounging near the pool at the hotel where we spent the night.
Just as I settled into my chair I noticed a family in the shallow end of the pool. There were five children who couldn’t swim, a calm mother and a very calm grandmother.
The children splashed and laughed as they took turns jumping from the side of the pool into the safe arms of the adults. Soon they were jumping out of turn shouting, “Watch me, watch me!”
The second thing I noticed is they were all “swimming” in their clothes. One little boy was wearing his shorts inside out, his pockets flapping in synch with the ongoing delight of the afternoon.
The third thing I noticed was they had no water toys. What they did have was deep appreciation and a family bond. As they continued to splash, jump and squeal they felt safe in their small circle of love oblivious to anyone around them.
About an hour went by when another woman appeared. I heard her say, “I could have picked up some food if you would’ve called me.” No one seemed alarmed or bothered.
A few minutes later she came back with one large back of chips and some water. The children noticed the food but only one child yelled, “Chips” as he hungrily leaped out of the pool, grabbed one chip and ate it slowly before submerging himself again.
Another thirty minutes passed before the grandfather arrived and joined party! It’s like time stood still as I marveled at the lack of fighting and the beauty of it all. I was blessed to be a witness.
The entire scene was simplicity and happiness personified. It was like I caught a glimpse of what the future could be if we simplify our lives, focus on connection and free ourselves from of the relentless desire for more.
I feel I witnessed the gift in our unemployment rate and the down turn of our economy. I saw what can happen if we are willing to live without "stuff"and share what we can share with others.
It’s difficult to believe at times that everything is working out perfectly for our good. Yet, I know it is.
I am grateful for the family, the light and laughter as they danced in a swimming pool with an abundance of grace and dignity.
Like the fireworks filled the sky, they displayed a vibration of love that enveloped the surrounding area.
I stood in it. I felt the bliss in it. I sent a silent blessing of appreciation.
Even now in our world of war, the oil spill, the economy…all is working out for our good!
We are creating a new and more loving world and I’m crazy about being a part of it.
You'll find my friend Karl and a great article "Why Your Job Is the Place to Discover Your Super Powers" at my friend Evita's blog today. Karl is an amazing coach at www.workhappynow.com.
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{ 39 comments… read them below or add one }
Wow, Tess, what a beautiful scene you painted for us. What’s even better is that is was REAL!
I love it.
It takes a wise and centered woman, too, to observe what you saw and see the light shining through all of it. You are amazing.
I wish I were there, I would have loved to enjoy the view with you. That said, reading your observations and insights were more the better, me thinks.
Take care, sweets.
~xo
Lori´s last post…Avoiding the Blog Blob
Thank you so much for sharing this story, Tess. It’s scenes like that which give me hope for a better tomorrow. So much love, so much peace in this world, and too often it all goes unnoticed. So thank you for noticing, and thank you for sharing it with us so that we can all benefit.
Also, I just want to ditto everything Lori said in her comment. Man! First it was Lance beating me to the good comment, now it’s Lori! I gotta get an alarm for my RSS reader!
Jay´s last post…On The Dark Side
Thanks for sharing a wonderful scene of love! Cliche as it is, simplicity is beauty. It is in the simple things where we can find joy. We do not live by one milestone after another, but from one moment of joyful connectedness to the next. These are the scenes that make up our life story, and may we have more of it each day.
Joyce of I TAKE OFF THE MASK Blog´s last post…Quote About Heaven 070510
Hi Tess, and not an ipod or phone in sight! I was in the bank the other day, we now have a ticketed service, and an elderly lady had pushed the wrong button and was holding the wrong ticket for teller service. Frustrated, she got the right ticket. When she sat down the lady behind me reached over and swapped tickets with her so she could be served first. I turned around and offered to swap tickets with her. Everyone smiled. The bank employees were oblivious. There’s some good left in the world.
Love you, Simon.
Simon Hay´s last post…July 4 Workshop Roundup -amp Goal Setting
Hi Tess! Just goes to show you – we don’t need much and joy IS ours!
Hugs,
suZen
suzen´s last post…Taking On McDonalds
Hi Tess,
What a wonderful family interaction you were privy to watching. It does go to show you that we can find joy anywhere and at any time.
Tess,
What a wonderful and inspiring story to share. I can imagine as I read your words, the joy of family and simplicity. I have little ones but I am not always calm or zen as I would like. Something to achieve and look forward to. Thanks for sharing.
Preeti @ Heart and Mind´s last post…No Spend Month Challenge- Update 1
Regardless of what is happening or where you are this is what I love to achieve; “There were five children who couldn’t swim, a calm mother and a very calm grandmother.
Calm, peaceful, THAT is what makes the world a beautiful place indeed and yes I am working on it now and hopefully I can make it up with my grandchildren for all my un-calm days as a mother, if I ever get any that is.
Isn’t it interesting though how their calm energy is noticeable and obvious gave you a great afternoon.
It gave me a wonderful reminder how important peace is, just as Joy wrote on her blog.
Much love, Wilma
Wilma Ham´s last post…Are we lovable enough to attract love
That is beautiful. It is so heartwarming for me to watch kids who appreciate every little thing they have.
Susie @newdaynewlesson´s last post…Sometimes It Is Very Hard To Stay Calm
Hi Tess,
Thank you for being aware and open to the circle of love surrounding the family..and for sharing with us..
As I read, my smile widened, for truly my children and I share the same simplicity, joy, peace as this family that you have observed…One of our favorite activities when the harbor water is clear is to all lay in a row on our stomachs on the dock and look into the water to see what floats by..we are enthralled by the ever changing scene..and each thing we see excites us as much as the previous…People walk by wondering what we are doing, sometimes we point out the latest “whatever” we have just seen..no one has quite the same reaction, yet they all smile…
As you were smiling watching this family..as we all smile when we think of what they share together…
Joy´s last post…An Unplanned Break…
Thanks for sharing this story. There is an awesome beauty in its simplicity. Sometimes we can complicate our lives by doing too much.
Your sense of hope is warming – and appreciated.
Alex
Hey, Tess. Sounds like a magical evening. Kids and swimming pools do equal fun and lack of fighting. When Kelly and her friends are in her little pool they often stay in for hours on end. With no squabbling!
Simon points out there is still “some” good in the world. I agree with that, but add that there is a LOT of good in the world. Actually — there is mostly good stuff, as I see it, anyway. The bad stuff just gets the most press.
All IS working out for the good, yes I do agree. There are so many blessings around.
Have a great day! (but I know you will.)
xo
Jannie Funster´s last post…Little Loves a poem
Oh Tess, what a wonderful post, bursting with love, gratitude and all the energies that make me happy to be alive and connected in this world. You see the good in every situation, and because of that, you radiate goodness. You are a joy to be around — in the cyber world, and also in real life (I’m so proud that I can say that!).
Heartfelt connections… I’ll take those over a pile of money and stuff any day.
Have a beautiful day!
I think you may have hit on a solution to the world’s problem there, Tess. One super massive fun pool party… and THE WHOLE WORLD IS INVITED! Cool!
Lori,
Oh that’s a good idea. Next time I’ll call and invite you to come with us! Thanks for your kind words and I’m only here to reflect the best in you my friend. xo
Jay,
I’m making up my mind up to notice more and share more. I decided it’s not that I don’t have stories to share I just need to wake up to them. So that’s my new blogging plan…you’re the best…thanks for stopping by!
Joyce,
Yes that’s what I want joyful connectedness adding to that would be a loaf of bread and colorful flowers. Not to much to ask for, eh?
Simon,
How bout’ we start a new blog…”share the good in the world” especially the good you participated in. I think it would be a hit and with our good vibes it wouldn’t go unnoticed! Nope there were no ipods or phones in the scene. I was going to write that but decided there was no need.
suZen,
Yes joy is ours waiting for us to step into it. Sometimes we side step it and wonder what happened.
Angela,
Yes joy anytime anywhere doesn’t that sound delightful?
Preeti,
I know what you mean. I wasn’t calm either. Observing them I believe it was the simplicity and living in the moment that was key. Isn’t it always?
Wilma,
Yes peace, joy, simplicity, laughter…they had it all and I felt the ripple effect. What a time I had;) xo
Susie,
Kid yes and us adults need to follow and even set the example. It’s a wonderful life with the correct values.
Joy,
Yes your life of simplicity gives you plenty of time for sharing, caring and adventure. I’m smiling and sending you smiles as well.
Alex,
I’m good at complicating life. They gave me the lesson of a life time and it’s burned in to my memory.
Jannie,
I agree there is more good than bad and I think Simon just forgot for a few moments. Go check out his blog from two days ago. He’s good personified.
Joy,
I radiate goodness…you radiate joy…no wonder we’re such good buds;) Talk soon!
Tess Bold Life´s last post…A Brand New World…Create It-
Hello Tess,
What a marvelous job you’ve done painting this picture with words. I felt as if I was there watching this beautiful scene with you.
It is examples just like you described that continue to remind me that, regardless of how the media or others may portray it, the world is full of hope and love. I work to maintain a level of awareness that will enable me to see this every day, because it’s there every day!
Thanks for reminding me that there’s lots of good stuff out there Tess, I just have to look for it.
Keith´s last post…Please Come and Read This-
You did a wonderful job painting the picture. I could see the family dancing in and out of the pool.
You are right. We don’t need a bunch of fancy toys to be happy. What we do need is loving people around us. It’s amazing how love conquers all.
Karl Staib – Work Happy Now´s last post…A Simple Guide to Overcoming Project Resistance
I’m glad I read this story. Beautiful… Often I have witnessed that.
I remember when I was once thrown out the trash, and I talked to a couple of garbage man. These people were laughing, they were cheerful and friendly. After a short time I went to work and I saw the manager, a man with a lot of money and beautiful job, that was on the verge of nervous breakdown due to stress…
True happiness is the natural state. Money is not the most important for happiness.
That’s a beauty, Tess. Living richly has nothing to do with acquiring “things” – it has everything to do with seeing yourself rightly and life brightly. Abundance comes in many forms. When we learn to appreciate and share life’s abundance, we find much more abundance to appreciate and share.
rob white´s last post…What’s it Take to Master Life
Dear Tess, I sit with tears in my eyes. I could feel in my body what you felt by that pool enveloped in the spill-over-love of that family. It made me so so happy that you not only saw this, but you sat and just let it go into your body. I think there is love everywhere we go. It may not seem highly apparent and it may only be tiny gestures, but for me ANY gesture of simplicity and love is HUGE. I don’t think there are large and small gestures of love; there are just gestures of love. Period.
You wrote: “Even now in our world of war, the oil spill, the economy…all is working out for our good! We are creating a new and more loving world and I’m crazy about being a part of it. ”
This fundamental insight/wisdom is soooooo moving and beautiful. My whole heart filled with love for you, for expressing this. Thank you from my heart. Yes. we are being called to change…and we are.
I have known a very simple life and it is my goal to, again, live thusly in the next 2 – 4 years. It is the only way of life that makes sense to me, in my body, spirit and soul.
You are a precious and profoundly wise inspiration to me. I often wonder if you have written more on your book about parents/children/forgiveness and parents not carrying the quilt and shame that their kids often want them to. I never forgot your comment on my blog about that. SOOO remarkable. YOU are THE one to write that book. I felt it all the way down to my bones that day, and have thought of many times since.
Much love to your dear Tess.
You are indeed bold.
Robin
Oh Tess, what a beautiful gift you got in being able to experience this and now to share it all with us, and pass along that gift.
Gosh, I love your concluding remarks! Yes, life at its finest when we just push aside all the rest and the constant need for more. We need not distract ourselves with stuff, or whatever the case may be – we can simply enjoy the moment as it presents itself. And yes you saw that clearly and I too know that everything is working out perfectly.
Evita´s last post…Why Your Job is the Best Place to Discover Your Super Powers
I still and will always believe it’s not about stuff (plus, the more stuff I have the more cleaning I have to do..yuck!). I have always believed if I have my health and my family, I have everything I need. Nice picture you painted of simplicity. That is joy!
Stacey Shipman´s last post…How to Be More Present -amp What Matters Most
Hi Tess,
more and more these days I’m trying to live with less, because in truth that brings so much peace to me. I see my children enjoying playing with a balloon or a shoe box and I just know they don’t need computer games or DVDs. A book provides endless joy, a board game brings our family together, and the joy of creating something new is amazing ( I’m about to try knitting finger puppets for my kids!). I love your post and I want it to go viral! I’m emailing it to everyone I know!
Topi
Topi´s last post…Wisdom
Wonderful post, Tess. The simple joys…May we all embrace them more. Doing so WILL guide us toward the world of our dreams. I, for one, am glad you are jazzed about being part of this. Me too! The energy is palpable.
Jan´s last post…Tranquility Tuesday Starting Over
Stories like this always stop me in my tracks for some reason. Perhaps it’s because I’ve lost appreciation for the simple joys in life over the years, like splashing around in the pool. Perhaps it’s also because I relate to the ‘poor’ descriptions you describe, recognizing myself as a child in similar circumstances — a reminder of a time I tend to forget in my ‘current life’ of relative affluence. The reason for it’s stopping power really doesn;t matter. What does, is the warmth and love towards others I feel when I read things like this. Thank you.
Michael
Happiness and Wisdom´s last post…Thoughts About Happiness- Days off make us happy
Hi Tess, I think it is lovely that you were so *present* at the pool and made all of these observations. I also think you are the embodiment of goodness and so you see it everywhere when others might not ever notice. Thank you for passing it on!
Jodi at Joy Discovered´s last post…Joy- Deconstructed
What a truly moving experience just reading about this family you witnessed.
And as for everything working out perfectly for our good, I feel I get to this point every once in a while between deep breaths. Those are the moments in which I’m able to trust, even if momentarily, to the natural progression of things.
What a nice story Tess. I really enjoyed seeing it through your eyes. The simplicity reminded me of an older friend of mine. He keeps a box of small, random blocks of wood in his living room. Nothing more than sanded mill ends really. When children visit, he dumps the contents of the box on the floor and the kids are thrilled to build stuff for hours. It’s so simple and basic, and they love it. There is a lot of pleasure in simple and basic!
Jonathan – Advanced Life Skills´s last post…Milestones- Accountability- and My Personal Life Challenge
Hi Tess – You’re a gifted storyteller. Your observations brought tears of joy to my eyes. Like you, I believe this recession is happening for the good of us all. And learning to live – really live, without lots of “stuff” in our lives and enjoy it more is one huge lesson to us all.
Cath Lawson´s last post…4 Stupid Bucket List Mistakes To Avoid
Hi Tess – Your story and the fullness of your hope are like sweet gulps of water on a hot, thirsty day. Thank you.
Patty – Why Not Start Now?´s last post…Meaning Mondays- Lazy
Hi Tess, what a lovely sight to behold. Yes, the world is becoming a more loving place to be and we are the ones making it so.
Enjoy the journey.
Mandy
Mandy Allen´s last post…Who have you inspired
Oh Tess, Its a wonderful world….a wonderful and beautiful world. We just need to remove those glasses of egos and materialism …and we can literally find heaven on earth. Our empty pursuits of material happiness leave us Empty….unable to find the joy in the things that truly matter. Looking around we are all love…full and final….we just need to feel.
And that family is so so lucky and we on this end reading this are even luckier that you could capture that beautiful love filled swim in youre beautiful words.
Just breathtaking!
It takes Love to see love….and it takes simple to see simple
Missed you,
Lots of love,
Z~
this is so good i remembered the time i spent with my family…When i go back am surely gonna plan out with my family
Keith,
Yes the world is full of hope and love…we see what we want to see! I’m on board with you…everyday I want to be and see!
Karl,
I’d rather have loving relationships and friendships any day than more toys or stuff! I’m happy we’re friends;) Hugs!
Marko,
I’m glad you came over today as well…what a great reminder you left for all of us when our ego gets the best of us. Thanks.
Rob, Amen to that! Thanks for telling it like it is.
Robin,
Spill over love, love that! Can I borrow it, please? And your comment about no big and small examples of love??? Just love? Brilliant my friend;) Thanks for that heartful of love for me…you express yourself so well with words…again brilliant. And feeling through my body…I need to do more of that!
About a simple live…body, spirit and soul…that’s what attracts me to you. You’be got it and I want it. Your new book is so timely.
About that book, I don’t know. I’m not feeling compelled to write it now. I’ll tell you what I’ll meditate and pray on it. Thank you thank you thank you for your love, caring and inspiration. I love you more. xo
Evita,
I’m pushing as fast as I can…I think we’re all in labor…the birth a new way and a new world!
Stacey,
Yes family, health and friends! woot woot!
Topi,
You are awesome…thanks for your wisdom and support. I used to do exactly what you’re doing with your little one.
Jan,
Thank you for walking the path of Truth with me! Happy birthday month in Northern Michigan.
Michael,
Thank you for coming by with encouragement and support. You are always appreciated!
Jodi,
I love and bless you. It’s an honor to know you and next time we all come to CA it’s my turn to meet you.
Belinda,
I know what you mean and I’m extending my moments as I age into more wisdom. Thanks!
Jonathan,
Yes there is always a message as well in simple and basic. Thanks for your comment and support.
Cath,
The thing I like about writing stories like these is how I find so many others think like I think. In everyday life I don’t fit in very well. The internet allows me to find many more like minded people. I’m eternally grateful.
Patti,
I think the same about you and your writing and message to all of us. Yeah for us bloggers, eh?
Mandy Allen,
Thanks so much for coming by and sharing with us!
/Z.
OMG I’m so glad you’re back. I’ve missed you and began wondering if something was wrong. I want a personal email if there ever is! Please;)
So I love that…it takes love to see love and simple to see simple. Amen! xo
Tess Bold Life´s last post…A Brand New World…Create It-
What an amazing and inspiring moment to witness! I, too, feel the desire to disconnect from *stuff* – Richard and I spent a glorious long weekend tuning into each other and tuning out the rest of the world. We hiked Arethusa Falls with daughter Katie and her little family. It cost us the gas in our tank and store bought sandwiches. We spent the day in nature and we were rewarded with a beautiful sight – children and adults basking in the sun or spashing in the falls. Look for a short video clip on my blog this weekend…You’ve inspired me to share it with the world!
xo
Peggy
Peggy´s last post…False Evidence Appearing Real
Peggy,
How do I love and appreciate you? Let me count the ways. xo
Tess Bold Life´s last post…A Brand New World…Create It-
Tess,
This was almost like being there with you! And it really is the simple things in life that mean the most. I believe we accumulate “stuff” to make up for a lack in these areas you’ve painted here. When we focus on the simple joys, and connect more meaningfully with those who matter to us…a lot of these other material things just go away…
Lance´s last post…My Hope For You
The safety of loving arms…there is good in the journey no matter what comes your way…this is such a warm and gentle post – like those arms waiting in the water
Thank you
Patricia´s last post…Change Artist in Action
Beautiful story, Tess.
I’m glad you stayed at THAT hotel on THAT night to have been a part of this, and then to write about it. It’s a treat to read about a functional family, these days.
Davina´s last post…13 Signs Your Ego is Driving Your Blog