May 28, 2014
9:01am
I’m currently in Nice (France), sitting on bench that sits directly in front of the sea. I’m sitting where I hear the sound of the waves as they crash at the shoreline, and the sound of the cars and buses behind me as they pass. It’ pretty quiet here, but it won’t be for much longer as more and more people will begin to arrive…but for now I’m really enjoying this moment. In the far distance, to my right, there’s a group of Asian tourists whose laughter slowly echoes its way towards me. On my far left are two shirtless men setting up umbrellas and lounge chairs for the restaurant that sits on the beach shoreline. Down by the pebbles lies a dog – sunbathing as he naps – and I can’t help but to smile in pure joy as I look at him. I think to myself: how awesome!… what a good life for a dog. Every time I see a dog, I can’t help but to think of the ONE I had to leave behind in order to be here right now in this moment. I often think about him, I think about how much he would enjoy being here with me right now, and an air of sadness comes through me. So instead, I rejoice when I see other dogs and in that way I feel they are all Buddha (my doggies name) and so he’s still with me, sharing these moments… It’s incredible to think I’m actually sitting in Nice right now overlooking the water because for so long I’ve wanted to come here, since I was 16 to be specific. I remember I wanted to be a part of a student exchange program long ago, yet I never knew why Nice called to me; I’ve never known much about the city or its history. Though after arriving here yesterday, I understand now why my spirit has always been drawn here.
It’s a picturesque city. Filled with charm, vibrancy, and an air of elegance. There’s a romance in the architecture of the buildings that further adds to its charm. Walking through Nice made me feel as if I was in a Hallmark card. There are so many young children running around, couples laying on the green grass together, you see lots of people and also lots of older folks riding bicycles. Others sit on benches observing the scenery around them. And I, well… I wander around with a cheerful grin on my face that I can’t contain as I marvel at all the sights around me, taking them in through all my six senses.
I catch myself stopping from moment to moment as I stare at the children who play, the families who are walking together, those sitting on the benches… there was so much beauty and serenity in all those moments and this city. I love that about myself. I love that I can still see the world with wonder.
Almost as a child experiencing the world for the first time. I never want to lose that quality, because I believe life is meant to be seen through the eyes of a child; in constant amazement by everything they see, touch or experience and if we could learn anything from children it’s exactly that: to never lose our wonder, to seek the magic in the moments all around us.
Life comes alive when you see it with those eyes and I once long- long ago saw the world in black and white, dull and lifeless. But the eyes I wear today, I wouldn’t trade them for anything in this world…. And still, I can’t believe I’m here! Yet Nice, I now know why you’ve always pulled at my heart strings because in many ways you represent many sides within me…., the families who are walking together, those sitting on the benches… there was so much beauty and serenity in all those moments and this city.
The post See life as a Child does : Nice appeared first on Creating Within.