Skating Rink
While attempting to skate at the Washington Sculpture Garden, I experienced one of those wonderful moments where we recognize that life speaks to us through seemingly ordinary situations. Observing happy faces – of all ages, nationalities, and skin colors – twirling around, I couldn’t help but admire the beauty of humanity and wonder why it is so difficult for us humans to live in harmony and share this world.
I noticed how skaters naturally formed three circles within the enclosed skating rink. The outer circle consisted of those closest to the fence – beginners who had never skated before, parents and young children, and the occasional older person with a youthful spirit, brave enough to embark on a new adventure. Lacking confidence and skill, the skaters in the outer circle held onto the fence, never letting go, although some would occasionally dare to let go and attempt to skate independently for a brief moment.
The second circle was comprised of those who dared to venture away from the fence, clumsily gliding, gradually picking up speed and Around, accelerating and braking, learning the basics of independent movement. Occasionally they would slip and fall, but without hesitation, they would bravely get up and continue, realizing that falling and getting up is a natural part of learning.
Finally, the majority of skaters formed the central circle, those who skated more often and thus enjoyed the feeling of speed relatively freely, while at the same time learning new tricks. Mastering the skill helped them overcome fear… or maybe it was the other way around?
There was also a fourth type of skater, only a few of them, who had perfectly mastered the technique. They glided quickly among the other skaters, weaving between circles, fully enjoying the freedom that mastery brings. Among this fourth category, there were also guardians, taking care to ensure that everyone respected a few simple but necessary rules and ensuring that no one put themselves or other skaters in danger.
What was exceptional in the whole situation was the perfect patience and respect among the skaters. There was no pushing or mocking. anja slower skaters and nobody was intruding into someone else’s path.
It was a beautiful harmony of different speeds and levels.
Living in this world that Hindus call samsara is far more complex than navigating the ice rink. But even on the ice rink of life, we share a common aspiration for skill – the skill that enables us to live life to its fullest.
In that pursuit, there is much we could learn from the harmony of the ice rink.