Lyft Driver to Meditation Partner

*3/35/17 edited title as I was reminded Samir drove for Lyft and not Uber

Exactly a week ago, on February 15th, 2017. I had a serendipitous encounter with an Lyft driver. 

On the rare occasion I call a Lyft from work, I don't exactly have the overwhelming desire to converse with the drivers. I'm usually exhausted from the abundance of social interactions I get to experience each day. This day, however, for some reason I felt an inviting energy to initiate a conversation with the kind male driver.

By surrendering to the energy of the interaction, we both discovered a mutual passion for sustainable agriculture and organic farming. I was delighted to learn he manages a non-profit, Pacific Coast Farmer's Markets, spanning over 60 local farmer's markets. I've been recently been setting the intention to connect more with the local farm community, so this alone was a very interesting synchronicity. 

As the conversation unfolded over the 9 minute car ride home, I found myself more alert and energized with every verbal exchange. When we reached my apartment complex, I graciously thanked him for his time and energy, and asked what his name was. To which he responded, "My name is Samir, and I am from Kathmandu, Nepal." 

Now this is where things get really interesting. You see, just days prior, a dear friend of mine, Morgan, had just returned from a month long spiritual quest in Kathmandu, Nepal. Upon her return, she shared heart gifts from Nepal and many insights she gained. She was beaming with this contagious joyful yet peaceful presence, as she expressed her immense gratitude, as the trip inspired Morgan to unfold deeper into her spiritual practice. Since my departure from the Ashram and my teacher more than 6 months ago, I have actively set the intention to meet new teachers to study different styles of meditation with. 

After Samir made this statement, we shared a pause before I responded with, "Wow, this is no coincidence we are meeting... my dear friend just returned from Kathmandu, Nepal, and has felt more inspired than ever to meditate and deepen into spirituality." 

Samir: "Ah yes, I've been studying Buddhist meditation for more than 10 years now."

Me: "Wow, would you be open to meditating together?"

Samir: "Absolutely, group meditation can be very powerful. In fact, I don't live too far from you."

He gave me his phone number and I knew in that moment, I had stumbled into a door I've been building up the courage to open...

Thank you Universe for presenting the perfect individuals at the perfect timing. I know it is up to me to selectively nourish the opportunities you present with compassion and discernment. 

As I've just returned from my recent trip to Texas, I am sending him a text message while writing this post. I shall update the story as it continues to unfold. :) 

In Love & Light, 
Tong-Tong 

Here is a snapshot of the Masala tea Morgan kindly brought back for me from her trip to Kathmandu, Nepal :) 

*Update: not even 10 minutes after I originally posted this... I received a response from Samir. We are now planning to meet tomorrow evening at 7pm for our first meditation together. Blessings <3