A Beautiful Story
I’ve long believed that inspiration is a real force, an energy source you can live from.
When I listen to it, life opens. When I ignore it, life contracts.
Before wrapping up my three-month adventure in Europe, I had a one-day layover in London. Something in me felt strongly inspired to meet an old boyfriend of Beth’s for lunch. His name is Graham.
When I arrived, he handed me three thoughtful gifts.
As a longtime member of this group, he knows I’m fascinated by different ways of living and seeing the world. He suggested I explore “The Himalayan Way” and gave me a book with a beautiful handwritten note inside.
The second gift was a small card, the size of a playing card, with a poem on one side. When I turned it over, I felt a chill run through me.
It was a photograph of Maya Angelou.
For those of you who’ve read The Inspired Way, you know that Maya is the dreamer in the bar scene, the one who finally gives me the courage to speak to Beth.
It would have been a lovely coincidence… if Graham had read the script.
I looked at him and said, “You’ve read my script, right?”
He looked puzzled. “No. But I’d love to. How do I get a copy?”
I was floored.
“I’ll send you one as soon as I get home,” I told him. “You may want to read Chapter 7 first to understand my reaction to this gift.”
Not wanting to spoil the surprise, I opened the third gift.
It was a poem he had written about Beth being his soulmate, and about his journey to London to meet me in person for the first time since her passing 21 years ago.
It was tender and honest.
Fast forward to this week in Miami.
Two young friends I met and mentored years ago in Hawaii were disembarking from a cruise ship and invited me to dinner. I hadn't’t seen them in years, as they had been living in India studying under a well-known teacher in the Himalayas.
I shared the London story, and casually mentioned that Graham had spent significant time in India and was even appearing in an upcoming Netflix film touring the Himalayas on his Harley motorcycle with his teacher.
Their eyes widened.
“What was the teacher’s name?”
“I’m not sure,” I said. “But I’ll send you a photo of the book when I get home.”
I did.
Her reply stopped me in my tracks:
“Omg this is crazy. This is the same teacher we studied with in the Himalayas. Out of the potential thousands of gurus / teachers in India, it’s the same one! lol! I’m always in awe at the magic of life. How synchronistic!!! Holy cow!”
She sent a photo of the three of them together in India.
Then she sent this:
“The universe works in beautiful, magical ways. Hearing your share tonight about what you plan to embark on next in your life long journey to inspire and be inspired.
A reminder from our teacher:
When you move from your heart in devotion to creating a better world, the seeds are planted always, and the fruit will always grow. We just have to be okay with maybe not seeing the fruit with our own eyes — but trust that the fruit will grow.”
And then:
“We love you Eric and we are so grateful for you and this beautiful night. Thank you for being a great friend and an inspiration to me. Wishing you blessings & magic & abundance in all areas of this beautiful life always.”
That pearl of wisdom was the final piece of inspiration I needed to begin my next chosen journey with clarity and purpose.
More on that soon (and no, I am not moving to India for those of you that fancy yourselves as great guessers! 😎)
Their words were timely though. The synchronicities were undeniable. The message was clear to me.
When you move from the heart, seeds are planted. Whether you see the fruit or not.
Life really is beautiful.
And what a trip it is. ✨
