The Angel In Disguise
By Robyn Pearce
(548 words)
This story links intuition, avoidance of stress, and perception, and how I was helped to catch a train (a very lateral lesson in time choices).
I’d just finished two days of work for the CPA Queensland (Certified Practising Accountants) Congress in Brisbane. Reforming ‘rush-aholic’ that I am, I’d packed my other bags ready to leave the hotel good and early, but worked at the computer just a few minutes too long. Because the Brisbane Hilton is only a few minutes’ walk from Central Station (I was off to the Gold Coast for a day’s R & R before heading home to Auckland) I decided not to be the short haul taxi fare the cabbies all hate. Instead, I chose to lug my wheelie bag of books and resources, suit bag and backpack with trusty laptop up the two blocks to the station.
As I stepped into the hustle and bustle of business people in the early morning Brisbane sunshine, I realised I was unlikely to catch the next train. Once upon a time (not long ago) I would have clicked right into Stress City, sending an invisible but tangible wave of negative energy ahead of me.
This time a tiny intuitive nudge shifted me into ‘detach’. A quick ‘what’s the outcome if I miss the train’ check - no major dramas. So, at peace, but still giving it my best shot, I hurried on.
‘Clickclickclick’ went the lights. I carved a wide swathe through oncoming pedestrians and reached the other side, sidestepping one of those bothersome charity collectors, waving his box under my nose.
‘He’s got no show of getting anything from this chick,’ flashed somewhat self-righteously through my mind, as I brushed impatiently past.
And then a quiet friendly voice said, ‘Can I give you a hand?’ If I’d been in the old stress mode, I wouldn’t have heard it, and maybe it wouldn’t have been offered.
Startled, I looked around. It was the collector. The first automatic response was to refuse - his long flowing ponytail, thin face, wispy beard, old clothes and collector’s box didn’t fit my pre-conception of a saviour. But then intuition kicked in - and I gratefully shared the load.
With no expectation of, nor request for, recompense he left his good revenue-collecting spot, grabbed my heavy suit bag, and together we scampered up the street, all the way to the platform. I arrived hot, puffing and happy - 5 minutes early!
What did I learn? Be always alert for the tiny prompt of intuition, practice detachment from stress before it overwhelms you, do a ‘worst case’ spot check, and never judge a book by its cover!
And - give and it shall be given unto you. Not only did I make a suitable donation, but other people came up to Richard as he was helping me navigate the platforms and concourse of the station, and without request, reached to put money in his box. The world is full of wonderful people.
© All Rights Reserved to Robyn Pearce, GettingAGrip.com, PO Box 29 586, Fendalton, Christchurch 8540, New Zealand Ph. + 64 3 351 2140 http://www.gettingagrip.com/
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