Sweet little moments

They say you always find the teacher you need when you need them most.

Maybe this is only really true in yoga circles. By this, I mean in the sense of teaching and classes, and not some bizarre new posture for the extra supple to try. But I have a sneaking suspicion that we unwittingly stumble across key people to lead us at special moments. We might not even recognise them as such at the time even. It might well take the passing of time before we even see the guidance they gave us, and the impact they had on our lives.

I've been prompted to realise this by today's Buddhist encouragement. "Those who have a mentor in life are truly fortunate. The path of mentor and disciple is one that leads to personal development and growth. Those without a mentor may appear free and unbeholden to anyone, but without a solid standard or model on which to base themselves their lives will be aimless and wandering."

I guess it makes for a curious spool back to spot all one's wonderful people. I know I was lucky enough to listen to an extraordinary lady explaining Buddhism to me at the start of last year. She recalled this coffee with me yesterday, and it reinforced the moment as we had both experienced it. For her, she had been somewhat taken aback that her words had had such impact on someone. She had so dramatically connected with what I needed to hear, and she had so obviously reached an inner part of me, her captivated listener. Apparently my face was visibly changed at the end of our chat.

For my part, I think her words were like beautiful rain on parched earth. I was stuck in difficult circumstances and with draining emotions. Here was a lady explaining it all to me, and giving me astonishingly clear and simple solutions. I remember being enthralled, and realising I had to listen and absorb with every ounce of my being. I was vividly tuned in to the moment, as one is on such rare occasions.

Looking back now, I shudder to think how my entrenched problems might have escalated if she hadn't talked to me. It's almost imposible to imagine having pulled through without this wonderful life line. I am so deeply indebted to her and her impeccable timing. It's completely apparent that this gave me the strength and insight to get through the end of the darkest period of my life.

And today, I was back in the very same cafe when an acquaintance started to ask me about my chanting. I belive she is encountering great waves of stress and hardships in her family and professional life, and she's been doing yoga and meditating like a pro for years. But I shied away from giving her even the slightest spiel, and I wonder now whether I should have seized the moment. How does one know when to divulge and to encourage? It's a tricky one, and I did opt out this time.

Maybe next time I should just gulp my coffee for courage, and launch into my "beginner's cafe guide to Buddhism"?

Nam myoho renge kyo