My Teacher was a Genius.

Image created with words of the author and AI (Midjourney) ©CatyHartung

My teacher was a genius at connecting with people he didn’t know. Without any introduction, he would thank workers in the street, say something in the elevator, and hug a friend or sometimes a stranger. He was generously sharing something nice, connecting, complimenting, or asking something. Someone introverted, he opened up. Someone laid-back, he made smile. It did cost him nothing, and he made their day. He saw the people. He was loving and compassionate, thinking foremost of others wanting nothing in return. It was beautiful and surprising to be near him. He was a gift.

I think of him when walking down the street, overcoming the little tickling nervousness of starting a random conversation and beginning to talk.

Champagne for the Mind #4 — October 5, 2022