Unexpected Kindness

It has been an amazing week, so far, and it is only Thursday. Despite sitting in a chilly flat, watching the snow flying wildly along wind-lines that whistle past the window, I have felt happy and cosy in my heart, filled with unexpected and totally delightful reminders of how kind people are, how thoughtful and generous.

I was swimming on Monday, and Bob asked if I would like to go for another massage. ��Another one?�� I checked.

��Yes, certainly, if you are going to read any more of my writing��.so he set that up for me.

Tuesday I went riding, and discovered yet more thoughtfulness that makes me want to shout for joy, and weep at the same time. Such kindness makes me want to melt, which is a good thing, but also a tad embarrassing for someone of my vintage. I am not supposed to cry with delight, I am supposed to bewail the loss of my youth, feel cheated by the advancing years, the increasing uncertainty of my joints��.But no, I don��t. As a matter of fact, I feel totally delighted to be older, kinder, wiser.

Wednesday it snowed, and I stayed at home and wished I could stretch. Actually, the consequences of my inactive day were very marked: flatter mood, sore joints and stiffness. But that too, is good, as it reinforces the decision to swim regularly and get outside each day.

Today, a swim, a massage which made me feel as if I had left my body, and the most incredible music on the radio, from Orlande de Lassus (1532 �� 1594). The tonalities and harmonies sound like something from about 1920. Lassus is this week��s composer, and worth a listen. I wish he was in the studio, so that I might ask him what he was hearing��.Donald Macleod is a very affable host for this genius.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b04xrtgk

If this is how life works best, then I wish to live, and love, for many years yet. Thanks to everyone who makes my time so enjoyable, so filled with encounters that touch the divine.