[During a Sacred Space Pod in September, I was remembering this incident, and a couple volunteers encouraged me to share about it here, too.]



I often have very early morning conference calls. I enjoyed the morning calm and the ocean breeze that blow away the Los Angeles summer heat.

A few weeks ago, while I was on a 5am call, my neighbor yelled out from his window.

"Can you please close your window when you have a conference call?" He sounded exasperated. Tired.

I stopped. I cannot argue back. I reflected on his word, and imagine how my conversation sounds like from his side. And then it became clear to me - he is right. I never realize I am ruining the morning calm for others that is so dear to me.

I almost want to yell "THANK YOU!". But that would be weird.

So I just closed the window. From that moment on, before I open my windows in the morning, I ask myself - is it too early? Am I too loud?

And this mindfulness extends to every move I made. I am trying, to move away from a self-centered way of living, and I feel that sentence made my blind spot so, so clear.

I am so grateful. I never thought that a one-way conversation can be life-changing. I never imagine that someone's word that comes out from his needs with no intention to make me a "better person" can be life-changing. I never realize that a response is not necessary. I don't even know who was talking to me, and I realize action is louder than words.