When the alarm goes off

My head was resting peacefully on my pillow on this early morning when the sound of a fire alarm was going off. My dog began to bark to wake me up yet I had no sense of urgency nor did I feel a 'real' fire was happening.

The alarms got louder. I began to hear a gentleman in the hallway banging on the walls, screaming "fire" and setting off the main alarm switch.

The people rushed out of the building, half awake, some still in their pajamas, others getting ready to catch an airplane flight.

The hallway outside his apartment door had food and clothes and other items thrown all over and down the stairs.

I had met this man just a few days ago. He was one of the few people in my new living complex that my dog did not bark at crazily. He seemed kind and helpful and spoke about his animals.

The chatter amongst the community continued and was not the kindest.  No one knew this man or what really happened. I observed. I asked if anyone knew him and if he was ok and all they did was complain about their disturbance because of HIM. The neighbors never met him, they said. They just grumbled that they had been awaken, that he was banging in the halls, that he was crazy. The judgement had been placed. Their perception was their truth.  The firemen and the policemen all rushed by us to make sure the building was safe. They continued to go up and down and up and down the stairs never once speaking to anyone of us. Lost in their world of duty.  Once I knew all was fine I went up to the firemen to ask if anyone knew if the man was ok. The response was there is no fire.

So we all dutifully went back to our apartments. I sat and contemplated was their a purpose for this alarming morning.

In many traditions mornings are revered and people gather to welcome the morning, they respect and bow to greet the new day.  In Hawaii we greet the morning sun with a chant E Ala E, in the East they bow in a traditional way on their knees to meet the day. In India they say "Namaste" meaning "I revere the light within you."

Perhaps this alarm was an awakening not only to me, but all of us that we need to wake up and pay attention! The complex went back to its quiet subdued energy within moments and no one was to be found. All were safe on their way to work or tucked back into bed. My dog and I went for a walk and I noticed, gave thanks and listened. I was told in my message to share this story with you today. Alarms are signals.  What signal will you receive today?

We never know or truly understand the reason, purpose of anything or anyone. Perhaps this man has an emotional or mental illness? Perhaps he was the messenger to give the sign "WAKE UP"? Later he was escorted by two policemen. He was kind, gentle and happy chatting with the policemen as if nothing he did was wrong. Was this the same person who only an hour ago was screaming, butt naked in the halls and warning everyone?

All creatures are teachers. We decide the lessons we want to learn.

I bow to this man who woke me up today. There was no fire! However, it was alarming that people were more concerned with their schedule and sleep than paying reverence to the morning or caring whether this man was ok or not.

I give thanks to the alarm that woke me up.

Blessings and Peace upon your day
~ Gloria