The Unplanned Event. An Unexpected Gift.

Public transport. The rhythmic sound of the train. Bringing us all closer to our destination. Outside the sun is shining. Inside the vibes of an enjoying climate. We just have to be present. The train leads. Some people are sleeping or listening to music. Others are reading and there are the ones who love to talk. A scene out of the blue. On a Saturday afternoon. 

Everyone has planned something. Tickets guarantee a perfect outcome. Then suddenly everyone awakes. The train has stopped. A voice announces an unplanned event. We have to be patient. In the beginning there is laughter. The stop would not be too long. Then it becomes clear that we are all stuck for a longer time. Acceptance the only healthy choice.

The view outside is tempting. People walk or bike in the sun. They watch us but continue their activities. The fields are green and wide. A beautiful place where our mind just comes at ease. However, we are locked in the train. For a longer time. Some of us are losing patience. This was not part of our plan today. I put my coaching glasses on and observe with curious eyes. What can we create from here?

The experience became very interesting. I talked with amazing co-passengers. Each with a charming story. A student, a world traveller, a talkative sweetheart, to give some examples. Made a new friend. My stomache protested. Hungry. I was offered an apple and a fresh made yoghurt. Even transport was arranged; a free taxi from place x to place y which I gladly accepted once we got unstuck.

What an adventure. How touching to see how people connect on a deep human level in the middle of nowhere. Sharing their stories. Stories that touch the heart. We saw each other with different eyes. Reflecting on how we could help each other in these circumstances. Humble. Servant. The world is a good place. People have not lost their capacity to be loving.

Like the train event shows, life cannot be fully planned. We have no control over external factors. We can only manage our internal factors. Let us do our utmost best to apply this with full devotation. Whatever happens in life, it really matters how we respond to an event. This will define how we experience the whole. I consciously decided to see the good.  

'What if' we decide to approach unplanned events in our lives from this perspective? How would this make us feel? How enriching would our experiences become and be from that starting point? What would the next step look like when we are able to remain calm and relaxed whatever life throws at us? Would it be something we would choose? Again and again?

When we left the train, I was glad to touch the earth with my feet. It never felt better to walk. To move my legs. Breathing the air. Free. Practising the art of mindfulness when meeting with unplanned events, puts magic to the experience. Magic happens when we least expect it! There is a lot to learn from unplanned events. Let us choose our response wisely. It makes all the difference in our day, week, years and life!

By Liesbeth Leysen