I sat by Buddha on the plane

I sat by Buddha on the plane.

He was wise, gracious, warm, and centered.  He was on the path of self-realization and enlightenment.  I felt healed and uplifted from our conversation.

He was also a 27 year old Wind Turbine Technician from a town in Iowa with a population of 200 people.  He wore a black cap that read Chevrolet and a Nascar sweatshirt.  He was handsome in a down-home country way and was quick to smile and laugh which I found refreshing.

We shall call him Ronny.  He had been in jail at least 4 times in his short life and was only 14 when he was first arrested.

Ronny was two years sober and an active member of AA (Alcoholics Anonymous), NA (Narcotics Anonymous), and was a leader/role model for the Teen Group of this nature.

In the past, I may have sat down next to Ronny, glanced at his outfit and demeanor, and placed my nose in a book as fast as I could pull it out of my bag.  I am ashamed to admit it, but I may have judged him as….hmmm…a hick?  close-minded?  maybe not so bright?

I know, I know, but hey, I am NOT the only one who sometimes judges others on first impressions! (in the past, up until now)

The point is, something inside of me said, “Listen to him, Cora.  He has much to teach, and you my dear, have MUCH to learn.”

Okay, Okay Spirit. I hear you.

So we engaged in a conversation that lasted from the minute I sat down in my seat until we parted ways in the terminal in Oakland.

What did I learn from Ronny/Buddha?

-The importance of throwing in the “white chip”, surrendering to a Higher Power.  This is the moment in AA where we admit that we are powerless and need help with our addictions.  And we ALL have addictions (sex, drugs, alcohol, work, dieting, people pleasing, negative thinking, etc)   None of us are meant to let go of these alone!

-The power of Presence.  He shared that staying in the moment and focusing on “what is” with gratitude keeps him from experiencing anxiety about the past or future.  The very same anxiety that led him to drugs and alcohol in his past. This helps him stay centered, peaceful, and sober.

-What bring us life fulfillment is different for everyone.  Ronny was perfectly happy in his tiny Iowa town because he is close to family, likes his job, and has good friends there.  The idea of living in NYC, acting, and running a business sounded interesting to him, but not enticing at all!  We are all so different and I need to remember that we all know what is best for ourselves.  All the answers are within.

-That one can wreck A LOT of cars and receive many MANY DUI’s and still start over, forgive oneself, and say yes to Life.  Each day is a new beginning, a new chance to align with our Truth, Integrity, and Calling.  Ronny’s enthusiasm for life reminded me of a child’s natural way of being.  His two years of sobriety were the first two years of his New Life.  SO INSPIRING!

-That Wisdom comes in all forms.  Ronny/Buddha did not look like a Prophet, but hey I’m sure Jesus didn’t always come across as “holy looking” to the people of his day. Ronny is a Master Teacher, even without the monk robes.

My conversation with Ronny was my Sunday Church Service.  What he taught me will live in my heart, mind, and soul forever.

Angels, my friends, are EVERYWHERE.  Even in the mirror.;)

Ronny reminded me of this.

And okay, okay maybe he DID ask me for my phone number, knowing full well I was married.

But hey, even Buddha was human.

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