In this story, witness Julie's personal encounter with the Dalai Lama and learn about the transformative power of practicing kindness and compassion in your life.
A dynamic that often played out in my life and prevented me from receiving life's abundance was that of feeling competitive, thus often left out; I learned there was only so much love and attention to go around. In 1995 I was at a reception for His Holiness in Madison, Wisconsin, and I was fortunate to be at a small gathering of around 200 to receive him. We waited for him in the local Unitarian temple where a catering service had provided sweets and tea. The energy was intense. Most of the food, untouched. Everyone was in anticipation of his arrival, and when he arrived, I found myself on the side of the path made for him. Behind me a man was shouting, "Your Holiness, Your Holiness!" and in his hand he held a bouquet of flowers that jetted out past my face. He sounded like he was in pain.
"... in his hand he held a bouquet of flowers that jetted out past my face. He sounded like he was in pain"
Then I asked myself: What is this about? Is this about me being seen by His Holiness or is this about compassion and kindness, the core teachings of His Holiness the Dalai Lama? The answer was sweet and simple: It was about practicing kindness; it was about generosity. So I stepped back, and the man happily took my place on the side of the path in front of me. When His Holiness came by, he reached around the large man, smiled at me, and squeezed my shoulder. All this simply from asking and opening to what this is truly about. His Holiness gave a short talk on the Tibetan cause and being kind to one another. Then when he was to leave, another path opened up, and I found myself on the side again. And again, a woman behind me cried out, "Your Holiness, Your Holiness." It was a natural response at this point to let her have my spot. And again, as His Holiness went by, he reached around the woman, squeezed my shoulder and smiled at me.
" ... again, as His Holiness went by, he reached around the woman, squeezed my shoulder and smiled at me."
I have used this practice in other situations where I felt the snag of negative desires or was confronted with difficulty or negativity from others. I have offered this practice to those in a variety of socio-economic backgrounds and a diversity of settings, all of which has found this is not only useful but transformative.
First we ask: What is this about? Then we can naturally move into being receptive to the reality -- an answer to that question -- and touch reality. Something certain and real takes place. To touch reality we reach a place, even if briefly, where we are in sync and in touch with all that is.
This story is an extract from the book "The Clue of the Red Thread: Discovering Fearlessness and Compassion in Uncertain Times by Julie Tallard Johnson
“In The Clue of the Red Thread, Julie Tallard Johnson reminds us that we can best navigate uncertain times by joining our inner truth with our words and actions. In ways both poetic and practical, she invites us to make time and space for inward discernment, returning to the visible world better able to help advance the work of love, truth, and justice. ” ~ Parker J Palmer
Click here to order the book from Shanti Arts , or you can order the book from Amazon here.
Julie Tallard Johnson’s writing and teaching explore the timeless relationship of human beings to their natural and inner worlds, and to others. With her nearly forty years of counseling others and leading transformational circles, Julie shares her experience and wisdom in her books, blogs, and retreats, which invite us to meet our circumstances with equanimity, curiosity, and fearlessness.
She has written eleven books, which include The Zero Point Agreement, The Wheel of Initiation, and Spiritual Journaling. She holds a master’s degree in social work and is a licensed clinical social worker. Julie collaborates closely with her business partner, yoga instructor Molly Chanson, to offer inspiring retreats for all levels of yogis and writers. Julie resides in Mount Horeb, Wisconsin with her two dogs. For Julie’s retreats, online courses (her popular one: Be the Cause of Your Life), blogs, and updates, visit her website.
Great site, more powerful for learning and strengthening of life.
What a calming and thoughtful post. Such experiences and awareness are priceless.
Thank you for sharing and reaching out to us in such a magical way!
Thank you…Reminding us that awareness, allowing, kindness and generosity of spirit enable us to receive and benefit ourselves.
Thank you Denise – for being a carrier of kindness and light in this world xoxo
What a great read, my husband and I were once lucky enough to be blessed by the relics of the Dalai Lama in a ceremony here in Atlanta while on tour. It was such an amazing experience to be a part of so I completely understand the pure excitement of the moment.
This is beautiful! Such a great question- is it about me? Love,kindness and compassion are still around us and we just need to find them
Thank you, Julia, for your kind heart 🙂
and thank you Marjorie for yours xox
Julie, your story touched my heart! Thank you for sharing such a wonderful account of that day and your advice to keep in mind what each moment is really about. Congratulations on being Karletta’s 100th story in Daily Inspired Life! I’m grateful to have a moment of mine included as story #66, and happy to realize that I live just down the road from you, in Waukesha. My hope is that someday we will meet!
Thanks for sharing, Karletta. What a wonderful and purposeful story that explains what true giving is all about.
thank you Barb … I’m grateful to meet a woman like you, with a kind heart and love of others. Thank you for being here.