Not All Who Wander Are Lost

I planned to go grocery shopping after an appointment on the upper west side this afternoon. A regular, normal night. No adventure, no chance meetings, just ordinary shopping, check out, home. Then I realized I was close to the river, so decided to check it out instead. Food can wait. There are things to be explored. Sat amongst the trees and eventually headed to the pier; walking out above the water to see the sun, the clouds. I begin to snap fotos, naturally. About to put my phone in my pocket and a honey bee lands on the corner of my purple phone case. Ah! A bee! My initial reaction: fear. I want to shake my phone, get it off and away. After all, it could sting me and what was it doing here anyway? I stopped, paused, looked at the bee. Shifted, diluted, transmuted. Love. I wondered, where did you come from? Where are you trying to go? How were you by the water? Are you all right? Where is your family? Why did you come to me? You must be confused, and what about all the radiation from the phone? My heart began to swell, "Bring him back to the flowers". 

I walked slowly, carefully, eyes on the bee. Was he okay? I notice, he's cleaning himself. A good sign, he feels safe. I make my way off the pier and towards the trees. I ask myself where I'm going. I don't know but I follow the green. There will be flowers somewhere, I'm sure. Stepping carefully, purposefully. "Bring the bee home." 

I see the trees, a willow, some other ones I cannot identify. No, that's not it. He needs flowers. I keep walking. Somewhere, somewhere. The cafe. Ah! Yes! Brightly colored flowers, I choose a nice, bright yellow one. I bring my phone towards the flowers and he flies away. I give thanks and continue. 

I wander back to the street to the cars, the buildings. Okay, now it's time to focus. But wait, I look up, World Yoga Center. I read the signs, check the schedule, get some information. I give thanks that yoga finds me. I continue, a few steps, I look up again, Floating Mountain: Tea House & Gallery. This sounds nice. 

I see plants, white walls, a tea kettle, and a modern wooden bookshelf. Zen. I feel it. Let me see. I walk towards the door. Ashtanga Yoga Upper West Side. I laugh to myself. I walk up to the second floor. I say hello, we smile. Wood, bamboo, floor pillows, clean, clear energy. "This is a tea house." I don't know what this means but I remove my shoes, leave my bag, and slowly look around and choose a seat. The corner with a view of the street, by the window. A tall, slender woman comes over and kneels beside me on the cushion. She explains. I ask, she tells me about the different experiences of the teas, all hand picked from China. Familiar. I choose. She guides me, prepares, I drink. We talk. We share. A new friend. Confirmation, inspiration. My first tea ceremony. #connect #shareyourstory #youaremeiamyou #tea #zen #be #getoutside #urbanexplorer #followyourbliss #wallsintodoors #trustthepath #lovelovelove #magiceverywhere #itsallhappening