Kindred Spirits

A chance meeting in a cafe got me to thinking - AGAIN, on how fate, timing, call it what you will, can be a blessing in disguise.

Forever Friends

Kindred Spirits - Definition from Oxford Languages:-

A person whose interests or attitudes are similar to one's own.

Even a wild pony needs a kindred spirit

What does it mean to find a kindred spirit?

It is the sharing of a spiritual connection with someone. A deep, special connection, which involves trust, commitment and a sense of belonging.

Share a moment

Have you ever met someone when you have perhaps been away on your travels or simply visiting your local coffee shop and an instant connection is made? You have sat down on the only empty seat somewhere and struck up a conversation with the person next to you or they have struck up conversation with you and before you know it, its like you have known each other for years. I guess some of us will have experienced this at sometime. Of course not everyone you find yourself next to will be on the same wave length as you but maybe this chance meeting will be giving them the listening ear they or you need at that time. I guess not everything need be quid pro quo.

The Ocean refuses no river - proverb

For this blog however, by definition a Kindred Spirit means a mutually beneficial relationship regardless of its duration.

Who knows what is round the corner

However fleeting a passage of time spent with these kindred spirits, it is in my experience always enriching. A meeting of minds makes me feel like I belong, there is someone on this planet that fate has determined I should meet. And in my experience it is always going to be rewarding in some way and it would appear mutually beneficial.

Beauty can hide in plain sight

I was reminded of this today by a lady I met in a cafe.  We chatted for an hour or more over our coffee and cakes. I learned that lack of confidence and belief in oneself can be hidden in many surprising ways. That perhaps we are all searching for someone, somewhere to accept us for who we are, value us for who we are and that we should start with believing in ourselves. Easier said than done though isn't it?

Shared roots build strong foundations

Don’t get me wrong we weren’t having a deep and meaningful counselling session, we conversed about many things; our families, grandchildren, homes, holidays and passions. We laughed quite a lot, mainly about aging and also shared things that stirred our souls. When we parted we both agreed we had met a 'kindred spirit'.

We follow the same path. Seeing things eye to eye. I am with you.

Since arriving home I have thought about our chance meeting and it has brought to mind some of the other chance meetings I have been lucky enough to have experienced over the years. The people who I have fleetingly crossed paths with and the stories we have shared.

Longing for clear waters

My family always joke about my propensity to talk to anyone, anywhere. I appreciate its not something everyone finds easy to do. You are making yourself vulnerable to rejection or feeling foolish because you have been ignored or completely blanked. Do you know though this has very rarely happened to me and what I have gained from these chance encounters has far outweighed any fear of rejection.

Searching for that illusive light

Loneliness is a cruel and unforgiving master. According to recent research in medical journals and medical reports, we are currently in the midst of a loneliness pandemic. People are not just feeling  physical isolation but mental isolation when they believe they are the only one in that position and nobody can possibly understand. I am constantly reminded that with a little courage this need not be so.

The road through life is never smooth and straight

So I hope I will be lucky enough to have many more of these fleeting crossing of paths with a fellow Kindred Spirit. They restore my faith in human nature and I hope both parties end up taking something positive away. And what’s not to like about that?

We are flesh and blood not hewn from stone and built to last a 1000 years.

I have included some memorable photos from the last fews years of travelling in Hygge and of our recent travels on the Friendly Isle of Lanzarote. (See Garry's youtube video.)

Photo Descriptions in order:

A Family Shot - Grandson and friend

The Long Mynd Ponies, Shropshire

The Twig - Bibury

Cot Valley - Cornwall

Terence Coventry Sculpture Park - along side the SW Coastal Path Cornwall

Felbrigg Hall - Norfolk

Copper Beech Trees - Avebury Stone Circle World Heritage Site

Grandad and Grandson in their own world

Grandson and Dog - bonding

The Meeting Place Sculpture St Pancras Station London - Paul Day

Janubio Beach - Lanzarote

Gressingham Workhouse Norfolk - Christopher High and Family Sculpture (inmates) - Alan Herriot

Las Grietas Canyons - Lanzarote

Wells Cathedral - England

Collage Soup Wonderous Widgets

Hope you have enjoyed this short blog and photos.. Back soon. Caroline x

Smile and the world smiles with you