Perceptions

Two worlds in a week!

One - Sri Lanka, war torn, poverty, expansive natural beauty. I was overwhelmed with the abundance of flora and fauna in this country. On our climb up Adam's Peak there were men, women and children of all ages, completing the climb barefoot, with smiles as wide as their faces and eyes as bright as the sun.

The other world - I was ever so fortunate to be invited to an Arabic ladies wedding in Oman, the marriage of a young man and a young lady from very wealthy and powerful families. It is the Oman tradition to have first the mans wedding and then the ladies wedding. This seems strange to Western ears I understand. I again was overwhelmed with the natural beauty but this time it was the beauty of the women. Words cannot explain the array of gems both on the women and their gowns. Unfortuantely pictures were not allowed. A different world, but women of all ages gathering, sharing friendship joy and laughter. Different costumes and yes, soon the shoes were gone and the ladies were dancing barefoot! Smiles as wide as their faces and eyes sparkling like diamonds!

Different circumstances, different life experiences but my perception was the same - I saw pure joy in each. I am happy to say I got beyond the appearances of both, the rich and the poor, and got to the light and love shining from inside!

How do your perceptions influence what you see?