The Flight of Fate

The Flight of Fate

The Beginning

I was happy to have a window seat and snuggled into my seat as the jet took off with a mild lurch. The sky was a clear, blue expanse, and the day was ideal for flying. I sat up and peered out the window as the plane ascended higher. For a few while, I forgot about all of my concerns due to the spectacular view. From up here, the world seemed so little, and I experienced a sensation of freedom and opportunity. I tried to fall asleep while closing my eyes, but my mind wouldn't shut down. I continued mentally going over the previous week's events as I was afraid of what was ahead.

The Encounter

I must have nodded off because the flight attendant was touching my arm and offered me a drink the very next moment. I tried to read a book while getting a coffee, but I was unable to concentrate. I then became aware of the female seated across from me in the aisle. Her finger was tracing a path through the mountains as she carefully examined a map.

We started talking after I questioned her about her destination. She went by the name of Sarah and was en route to the Himalayas as a travel blogger. I saw that I was engrossed in her excitement as she described her exploits.

The Turbulence

We encountered significant turbulence a few hours into the flight. The seatbelt sign turned on as the plane began to tremble. Sarah tightened her grip on the armrest as her eyes widened in terror. I made an effort to comfort her, but I was feeling worried myself.

I then observed a man sitting across from us in the aisle. Eyes closed, he appeared to be in a state of quiet meditation. I was drawn to him because of what seemed to be his air of tranquility.

The Revelation

After a while, the turbulence stopped, and the seatbelt signal turned on. The man across the aisle opened his eyes as Sarah and I resumed talking. He saw that I was staring at him and gave me a warm grin.

As soon as we got to talking, he began to describe his experiences as a spiritual teacher. He discussed the value of mindfulness meditation and the significance of living in the present. I had a wave of tranquility as he spoke.

The Landing

After a while, the turbulence stopped, and the seatbelt signal turned on. The man across the aisle opened his eyes as Sarah and I resumed talking. He saw that I was staring at him and gave me a warm grin.

As soon as we got to talking, he began to describe his experiences as a spiritual teacher. He discussed the value of mindfulness meditation and the significance of living in the present. I had a wave of tranquility as he spoke.

The Epilogue

I began to think back on the things I had learned on that flight in the weeks that followed. I began daily meditation and made an effort to be more present in my day-to-day activities. And I would hold the stone the stranger had given me and experience a sense of serenity wash over me anytime I felt overpowered or anxious.

I came to the realization that flight had marked a turning point in my life as I looked back on it. I had made two new friends as a result of it, and I had learned more about myself. And I was confident that I was prepared for whatever lied ahead when I stepped into my ensuing aircraft.