Serendipity
I have a friend who creates magic simply by living true to her values. Once, we were walking through Cave Hill Cemetery, admiring the bee houses and the giant trees that nourished them. We paused at Muhammad Ali’s grave, where a bee house hung with the sign Ali’s Bees above the door.
Curious about how the bees were cared for, we lingered near a quaint garden house that seemed to appear out of nowhere. Moments later, the beekeeper stepped outside and invited us in to learn about the art of making honey — samples included!
We both love learning and sweets, and suddenly, it felt like we were back in fourth grade on a spontaneous field trip. What began as a simple walk, grounded in presence, turned into a magical experience. This kind of moment isn’t unusual when we’re together and beautifully reflects Caroline Myss’s idea: what is big is small, and what is small is big.
Looking back, we realized how easily we slip into flow when we’re beyond our ego selves, allowing the present moment to work its quiet magic. It’s a gift of our friendship — this natural alignment with wonder.
Not long ago, I gave a sermon at Unity of Louisville on being held by God’s grace. When we’re in our deepest suffering, we are often closest to God. But accessing that presence requires slowing down, connecting with Source, and staying open to what unfolds — especially in paradox.
The same presence can be found in joy. When I asked my friend how she regularly encounters such serendipity, she said she simply lives with curiosity and stays true to herself.
I can attest to that. Through my work with Breath of the Wild, I help others discern what aligns with their soul. Each of us is unique, and honoring that uniqueness is what makes life rich. It serves no one to chase after something out of alignment.
I spent a decade climbing the global corporate ladder — not because I was trying to, but because I was self-sacrificing and disconnected from healthy boundaries. I showed up with my ego-driven uniqueness, giving too much of myself away.
It’s taken another decade, in a new career devoted to growth and healing, to learn the value of softening.
My friend and I experience these magical moments because we soften in each other’s presence. We drift into dreamy conversations — about ancient worlds or present curiosities — and stumble into the quiet joy of being alive.
Usually, these moments are born from our intention to connect. We carve out time to be together, agenda-free, setting aside daily demands to open the door to something sacred.
I’ve heard it said: you miss all the magic you don’t look for.
I choose to live in Lila — Divine Play. In this Buddhist perspective, the world is created not out of necessity, but out of freedom and joy.
So, what can you do today to set down the weight of life, even for a moment, and step into Lila?
Let yourself be surprised. You might find the magic in the smallest, most unexpected places.
