Jillian’s July Post: A Pause at Penn Station

A few weeks ago, I had the chance to attend a workshop given by author Marianne Williamson at the Omega Institute. During the course, Marianne invited us once to repeat the expression “The love in me salutes the love in you.”

The following day, I stood at Penn Station, waiting for my train to board. People gathered, waiting for the same; others were “de-training.” At this mecca of motion, in a momentary gap, I stayed still and started saying to myself, silently, “The love in me salutes the love in you.

Suddenly, I saw each person’s innocence: A modest look down, a gentle nibble of a lower lip, a deep exhalation, a softening in the lines of a face, a smile to a mother with her children, or me. Every person – from the businessman in a suit wearing a Bluetooth to a girl with pink hair, a tattooed Hispanic man, a black boy carrying a cello, a large white man with his girlfriend, a Japanese couple – all innocent, good at heart.

My heart began to hurt when I started to wonder, What would happen to all of these people, to me, if we did not take care of our humanity?

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Next time you’re in Penn Station, or another busy public place, maybe you can find a moment to slow down, pause, salute with love – and see what you find in yourself and humanity. I would love to know what you learn. I hope you’ll share with me.