A Lyft ride and a heartfelt connection

This past weekend, I flew to Denver International Airport to lead an afternoon workshop at Mile Hi Church. The church is roughly a 45-minute drive away from the airport, so I called up a Lyft driver who happily picked me up and started chatting away.

After finding out I was a spiritual life coach, he jokingly asked me, “So does this mean I get a free session during this ride?”

Even though I could see him laughing, I sensed that he needed to talk.

I responded, “Of course we can talk. Just give me a few minutes of silence to do some work I need to do to prepare for my workshop. When I’m finished, you and I will talk.”

At my spiritual center, the Global Truth Center Los Angeles, we provide a free 5-minute prayer session after the Sunday service to any congregants who are in need of counsel and support. What I’ve learned is that people’s need to talk doesn’t always come after a service.

In my training as a licensed Spiritual Practitioner and counselor, we’re taught that we are on call 24 hours a day. We have to be ready to show up whenever and however we might be needed. 

We might get a call at 3 am in the morning with someone in distress, or we might be at a party where someone approaches with a need for comfort.

Sometimes people approach me to talk at the oddest places and times, like when I’m standing in line at my assigned number waiting to board my Southwest flight (which did happen last weekend, by the way, for this same trip!).

In those moments when I sense that someone wants to connect with me and is reaching out for support, an internal switch goes on inside me. 

I immediately go into “practitioner” mode, meaning I ground myself and open up all my senses so I could be fully present to the person in front of me.

It’s just like sitting in a waiting room and suddenly my number is called. Within me, a little voice says, “You’re up!”

On the car ride in Denver, when I finished up my work, I turned to the Lyft driver and became fully present. I asked him what was going on, and he let loose a whole torrent of frustration, emotion and life questions that he had been holding close to his chest.

By the time we reached our destination, he expressed his deepest gratitude. In my mind, I thought, this is why I’m here, for meeting people like you and for moments like this. 

Instead of saying this to him, though, I simply replied, “You’re welcome.”

For your coaching assignment this week, I invite you to contemplate this question:

Where in your life do you feel like you show up?

Showing up looks differently for each person:

• If you have a child, showing up could be when you’re cheering on your child at the weekly soccer game. 
• Maybe you show up when you’re delving into your work and giving you're all to what’s in front of you.
• Perhaps it’s when you’re cooking in the kitchen and you’re making sure everything is deliciously prepared for your loved one.
• Or showing up might look like you dancing up a storm on the dance floor or even in your living room.

There’s a qualitative feeling that emerges when you know you’re showing up more fully in life.

Showing up uncovers a greater feeling of aliveness. 

You feel the vibrancy of life because you bring a greater awareness to the present moment. 

You let go of who you think you’re supposed to be and you let loose the fullness of life that’s wanting to express through you.

Showing up doesn't have to be loud. You can also show up in a quiet presence.

Here’s the spiritual truth in all this:

When you show up, you allow yourself to be more wholly you.

You as the whole you, exactly as you are. 

Wholly you, and Holy you.

Look for moments this week where you can allow yourself to be fully you. 

Ask yourself, “How am I being called to show up more fully in this moment?” Then, follow your own heart’s guidance and show up.

And you never know, you might be delightfully surprised to meet the whole you that shows up.

Abundant Blessings and Namaste.

I'd love to hear your thoughts about today’s post. Where in your life do you feel like you show up? When and where do you feel more fully alive? Please leave a comment below.

And if you’re feeling the need for guidance or support for a particular area of life, I offer a complimentary life coaching consultation where we can chat. You can learn more about these life coaching consultations by clicking here.

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