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Spreading
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The
Happy Hungarian Watchmaker – Part 10 “Taking
in the Spirit of the Place” Copyright 2006 by Julian Kalmar. All rights reserved. (250 words) One morning the master and I went to pick up a broken clock. The customer’s house was in a peaceful neighborhood. I jumped out of the car and I headed straight for the front door. Realizing the master wasn’t behind me, I looked back. He was still standing beside the car with his eyes closed, so I walked back. When he opened his eyes I asked what he was doing. He said, “Julian, have you ever been somewhere when someone arrived and created a disturbance? “Yes,” I said. “Did you notice people’s reactions?” “Some people said things under their breath,” I replied. “That disturbing person would have been better liked if they first took in the spirit of the place.” “What do you mean,” I asked. “Remember when we first arrived at the river last week and you marvelled at how quiet and peaceful it was?” “Yes, it caught me by surprise and I stopped to listen for a minute. It was wonderful.” “When you listen, you’re taking in the spirit of the place. Sometimes the quietness or beauty of a place will make you stop automatically, but you can do it wherever you go. “Whenever you arrive, just watch and listen. See how the place is. If the place is busy, stay out of the way. If the place is quiet, be quiet. If people are wary, take heed.
“By taking in the spirit you’ll know how to act, and with practice you’ll learn how to improve that place.” Biographical Information
May 6th, 2006 Copyright 2006 by Julian Kalmar.
All rights reserved. |
