The Best Medicine

Many years ago, I took part in a retreat for social entrepreneurs and aspiring thought leaders. It was a collection of inspired & inspiring human beings — some of whom would go on to become dear friends and alter the very trajectory of my life.

Our days amidst the Rocky Mountains were filled with enriching & enrapturing experiences, from deep talks to shared meditations and vibrant outdoor activities.

One especially inspired day, we were whitewater rafting down the Colorado River, exploring the interplay of all things from quantum physics to interpersonal dynamics to the diverse definitions of leading lives full of purpose.

Our guide, a kid of no more than 18 or 19, with billygoat scraps for facial hair, likely thought us to be a most peculiar crowd — a touch different than the typical families he’d take on tours.

He kept quiet as we whirled about in excited conversation between the exhilaration of the river's drops, bops, & thrilling turns, swirling between words and wordless wonders of the scenes all around us.

As we were heading back to basecamp, seated in an old converted school bus, we began discussing the various forms of healing that don't get the shine or respect they often deserve. Before long, we found ourselves lost again in a frenzy of fervent conversation.⁣

And then, from out of the quietest corner amongst us, we heard a singular voice emerge.

"People, too."

We turned, and saw that it was our scraggly young river guide who uttered those profoundly perplexing words.

With quizzical looks on our faces, and a collective sound that approximated something to the effect of a Scooby Doo “huh,” we invited him to say more.
And us, to say less.

“People can be the best medicine.
Worst poison too, I reckon.
But in my experience,
there ain’t nothing better,
nor more healing than
the real kindness and care —
 & love — of good people around you.
It’s healed me plenty of times, shoot,
better than any medicine I’ve taken.
So maybe it’s part of all that physics
y’all were talking about earlier.
Heck, maybe that is the physics.
But, what do I know?”

And with that, he smiled.

In that instant, we witnessed him transform from a teenage scruffpatch of hair and countryside twang to the golden bodhisattva we were all seeking but didn’t quite know it — a gleaming lotus of wisdom & knowing, somehow squeezed into overalls and old river boots.

We were dumbstruck & grateful.

Returning his smile and watching it ripple its way through us all.

It was only then that we began to understand what we had been doing all along.

With all this fervent sharing and giving and receiving of one another’s presence: We were healing each other.

This healing, this medicine, this love tends to occur best in the context of cherished others, of relationships that allow us to be our most genuine, our most human, and still, to feel deserving of love.

He knew this. You know this.
In some form or another,
you have felt this.
We all have.

And now, at a time when belief in this basic human gift is called into question on an all-too-frequent basis, I find myself returning to the words of our scruffy river bodhisattva.

I return to the awe of wisdom that can emerge in the most unexpected of moments from the most unexpected of places.

I return to the belief that we have all of the potential in the world to be each other's salve, to be each other’s remedy, and to be each other’s medicine.⁣

Reflections for Growth

In what ways have you experienced people as a form of medicine in your life?

Recall a time when someone’s kindness surprisingly and profoundly impacted you. How did their choices and their actions serve as a form of healing for you?

How could your choices and your actions serve as medicine for another?

Invitations for Practice

This week, I encourage you to be open to being surprised. Be open to being on the receiving end of unanticipated moments of healing or connection or insight from absolutely unexpected sources.

Whether it’s a kind word from a stranger or a moment of unexpected peace, allow yourself to fully experience and appreciate these instances.

As you reflect and practice, jot down a few notes as well. And as always, please feel free to share your thoughts directly my way.

Sending you lots of appreciation,