The Self

I met myself tonight. In a Chinese restaurant, while eating Mongolian Beef alone. I heard a voice in my head that asked me a profound question: "Can you love all the people in this restaurant?"

It took me no time at all to decide that yes, I could. And I did.

Then I asked the voice a question in return: "Who are you?"

"I am," was the only reply.

I was stunned to silence.

I sat observing everything around me, tasting the textures on my tongue. Here I was, having an extraordinary experience in an ordinary place. I marveled at the texture of the empty vinyl seat across from me, the magic that made it possible for electric lights to illuminate the room, the smiles and frowns on the faces around me. I sat in wonder as I moved my fingers, watching them with reverence and awe.

I felt supported. Loved. Whole. Totally at peace. I felt no time pressure, though I had places to be. I knew the universe would guide me. I felt as if I would never again have another worry.

The past and the future no longer mattered. I didn't care if or when the feeling faded. I was just grateful to be experiencing it now.

I asked myself why I've ever resisted reality. Why I've spent so many years rowing upstream when I could have just gone with the flow. The universe wants what is best for me, and I didn't realize it. I only need to trust, and everything will turn out all right.