A Huge Dose of Kindness
Photo left: Brian and I on a ferry in Hobart, Tasmania . Photo right: A pitstop on our Christmas Day bike ride in Tanunda, South Australia
We are leaving beautiful Australia today. We arrived in Sydney Dec. 17th, so its our 24th day here. We’ve visited Hobart in Tasmania, Tanunda in the Barossa Valley wine country, Syndey, Port Douglas and the Great Barrier Reef, and one final night in Brisbane. I am filled with gratitude when I think about the past 3+ weeks we’ve spent in this country. The people here are extraordinary. Everywhere, and I mean everywhere we flew, drove, boated, bussed, swam, cabbed, and walked to, the Aussies greeted us with warmth, helpfulness, and acceptance. They were genuinely interested in “how we are going” (this is their way of asking “how are you doing?”). I read an article on one of our flights where the author visited a country and instead of asking “how are you?” they ask “how is your heart?” That way of greeting people and the intention behind the words comes from a non-rushed, authentically interested place. That’s exactly how we experienced the Aussies.
The Aussies seem to be living in a happy giving mode before conversations begin. I breathed it in, and it felt similar to the welcome smell of homemade apple pie in my mom’s kitchen. I just know the love that went into that pie, and I could feel the genuine friendliness in the air here in Australia.
When we first landed in Sydney, we were a little lost in the airport and were wondering around looking for signs and transportation. A fellow traveler (who was Aussie) walked up to us with a smile and asked us where we needed to go. The busdriver at the airport jumped out of the bus and assisted us at the ticket kiosk. The rental car attendant at Adelaide airport blew us a kiss when we drove off and shouted out a sweet “Merry Christmas!” as she enthusiastically waved goodbye to us. Another rental car attendant at the Cairns airport wrote down her cell number on a map in case we had questions after we got on our way. We met locals out at restaurants and ended up eating a meal with them, exchanging contact information, and laughing and chatting the night away. People don’t have expectations or a motive for being nice…they simply want to be together and enjoy the moment.
Although social media is big here, Aussie’s still regularly make time for the the old fashioned way of interacting…physically face to face. I read a sign in a Sidney café that said, “No Wifi service. Talk to the person you came with today.” I love that reminder of the obvious but so often bypassed choice. I felt a genuine connection and sincerity with the Aussies. They take their time, really listen, and truly respond. This sounds so obvious and simple, but I was honestly blown away by how much of a difference it made to slow myself down and enjoy the company of others that are doing the same. I actually felt easeful, unedited, and naturally happy from the core of me outward. Things just flowed.
And the land!!! Words that come to mind when I think of the awesomeness of nature. Strength. Resilience. Generosity. Endurance. The blue water, the gorgeous mountain ranges, the wild bushland, the rainforests, the seaside beaches. We had the opportunity to SCUBA and witness underwater communities of fish, coral, and other vegetation living in symbiotic harmony with each other. We walked in the Daintree Rainforest (the oldest rainforest in the world) and were embraced by the towering massiveness of trees and animal and plant life from the roots to the tree canopies. The rainforest is a source of life and it also depends on nourishment from nature itself and respect from humanity for its continued survival. At one point, I stood still and inhaled the scents of wet leaves, bark, moss, and forest floor. I felt an invitation to Life, a calmness, and a deep connection to everything. I’m in LOVE.
I’m wondering if one day doctors will prescribe a daily dose of walking in nature and spending quality time with other people. To look at people and see them, not just with your eyes but inhale them, feel them with your heart, and give them your full attention. Then exhale yourself to them. Just because you can and you’re choosing to do it. I would place a solid bet that people would feel happier and be healthier with a regular practice of this. And the happiness generated from this practice is contagious. I have a huge case of it (thanks to the gorgeous Aussie way), and I’m definitely spreading this one around everywhere. Thank you, Australia!!! I miss you already.
