I was shopping at Trader Joe's yesterday (a grocery store with unusual and regular items, some organic, some not, with great prices, that's located in several states) and came across a birthday card that jumped out at me as I walked down an aisle.
The birthday card is a quote from Henry David Thoreau:
"If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer.
"Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away."
On the front of the card is a tiny little honey-colored puppy with his eyes closed and head tilted upward, with an ipod earphone in his ear. His long ears are flying up like he just shook his head. He looks like he's blissfully enjoying the music he's listening to, and it's the cutest puppy in the world, with soft little puppy fur all over. I just wanted to pet the top of his tiny little round head.
As I walked by the card and read it, a tear came to my eye. I can't tell you how many times I've read this quote in the many years that I've seen it here and there, but it has been at least 100. I never really thought about it that much, other than to think, yeah, people have their own different ways, sure.
But I looked at this more deeply yesterday, relating to my judgment of others. I saw it as a statement of love and allowance of others, and the ways they have chosen to move through the world. I don't have to see a person as odd, just one who moves to the beat of a different drummer.
I think a tear came to my eye, because I was so grateful to know the perfection of each path, and that no matter how it "seems" to me in my judgment, there is no one who is not on their road to freedom, regardless of how it may seem to me or to others.
How many times have I myself been viewed as "odd" by others? More times than I would probably like to admit. Am I not grateful that my oddnesses have been allowed, no matter how measured or far away? And can I not easily give to others what has been given to me? Yes. I'm just so grateful for these little synchronicities that happen daily, and that teach me the truth of who I am.
I bought the card and brought it in to work with me today, which is where I am now. Among all the scattered papers on my desk, here is my card, and the little puppy that reminds me that there's a softness to us all that is joined, is the same, and is forever one with all.
Dear, dear Chris..How privileged I feel to be the first to respond to your loving message. It is fantastic to me. I have used the thought of 'different drummers' since I first read it many years ago. Thank you for taking time to bring it forward to all of us.
Thanks so much Reese. It's I who am privileged to share with you. Thank you for the confirmation and encouragement. I send you lots of puppy smiles and dancing puppy ears.
