a simple cup of tea

We never know when the simple moments in life, become meaningful to us. As we practice Reiki, and bring it into our lives, the actions of refraining from worry (just for today), refraining from anger (just for today), being greatful (just for today), working hard, and giving kindness (just for today) change how we approach moments, and allow us more patience. Sometimes - it is just the capacity to appreciate a flower at the side of a path, or a smile from a friend.

Sometimes, more meaningful moments happen.

A year ago my wife and i were in New Zealand, a long flight, literally on the other side of the world. She is an avid birdwatcher, and insisted the we book a tour that took us on a day trip to Kapiti Island.

It was a cold and dreary morning, i had some concern that we would have a fairly wet, windy and birdless day, but we were here and we went across the bay on a small boat and disembarked on Kapiti. The main section of the island has no development at all, and is a protected nature area, the northern end of the island is owned by a Mauri family, a remant of the people living in New Zealand before the European settlers arrived. They had a small home and were to be our hosts for lunch later, and we were quite anxious to get going on our hike to the top of the Island. John came over to us and invited us in to have tea - there were two groups, and one group begged off the tea, there was only so many hours to be on the island, and they headed off, i started to tell John, "thanks but i don't really want tea right now" - but - i saw a look in his eye and what came out of my mouth was "thank you. we would love to share tea with you." As the other group headed out to birdwatch, my wife and our guide followed John and into his home and we sat down for tea.

It was Reiki energy telling me something, and me just following my intuition. John it turns out was a descendant of a Mauri chieftain, a warrior, he himself was one of the most famous birdwatchers in New Zealand, something i had not known. We talked about the plight of indigenous peoples all over the world, and our the common connections amongst humanity, how we were connected. And we talked of a common hope for peace. He decided though it was time to begin walking, and as we walked he explained that years ago, he would need to test his prowess and my courage by coming close to me with a weapon (without actually harming me due to his skill), but in these days, at the least, he could not comfortably help someone who did not first share tea with him. We walked past a sacred burial ground and he talked about his ancestors who struggled to retain their connection with this land, and then we came upon a group of South Island Takehe. This is a huge bird, walking wild on this island, less than 160 in the world. John told us to go ahead now ourselves on the trail.

We were followed as we walked by a pair of New Zealabd Pidgeons, large grayish green birds with pure white breasts and a stunning sound when they were flying. North Island Robbins posed for us, Fantails rarely seen watched us hike past. As we headed up the other group most of the way around the loop (they came opposite direction of us) passed by, "seen any birds" - "hardly any" they said as they trudged quickly on covering more ground more quickly than us.

Finally we came to the top of the tallest hill on this part of the island. The sun had come out, and it was a near cloudless sky, it was warm, and, the southern sky is different, more intense. I raised my hands up from my crown to reach toward Reiki energy, and bring it to me - a sense of intense light surrounded me, and as i took in energy i also let go, and, parts of souls departed who had attached to me freed themselves and headed toward the sun.

We walked back toward John's house slowly, enjoying an incredible day on an incredible island. Back for lunch my wife noted there was one bird she had really wanted to see - a rare North Island Saddleback thought only to be on Kapiti Island and only in small numbers. John told her to relax and enjoy and lunch, and as we ate he listened quietly. "Now" he said, "walk slowly around to the back." And there on the tree in the back were two incredible and gorgeous North Island Saddlebacks. They sang to us, and posed for a few photos. And then - it was time for them to fly away, and time for us to leave the Island.

I do not know for sure how different my day or my life would have been, had i not stopped that day and joined John for a simple cup of tea. I believe, without the impact of Reiki on my life, i would have been drawn to rush around that island. And i believe, that the conversation with the Mauri descendant may yet yield further wisdom, to enrich my life.

Just for today - i remain greatful for the gifts i have been granted.