Genshai - (GEN-shy)

I entered the room and there sitting in her wooden rocking chair swaying back and forth awaiting my arrival was the most beautiful grandmother I had ever seen. Her skin was soft, aged, and pressed with wrinkles upon her hands and cheeks. As I was approaching her side she spotted me from afar. Her face was filled with a smile from ear to ear, and a brightness of joy that sparkled in her eyes resembled a blue sky of stars. "Grandmother"I said, "what are you doing?" Starting my descent to the floor I grasped her hand in mine. I wanted to be facing her directly so I could see deep into her eyes. I found my heart being filled as it had so many times before when I had knelt at her feet. Our conversation was one that was of no important nature or reason just one like so many times before. She smiled at me, most likely not hearing much of what was being said but just happy to have the company and conversation. She replied, "Oh, just relaxing." I embraced her every word wanting so much for her to feel deep inside my love and respect for her very life. I  wanted her to know I was there just for her visit. She meant everything to me,  I wanted her to see in me that I recognized her very life is what had given me, my life. This story could be painted time and time again within me, for it has been.

A few weeks ago when I had the beautiful opportunity to read a remarkably fueled book - Aspire by Kevin Hall for a class I am currently taking. I learned of this most amazing word. Genshai. 

This was it, it was my word. I had been doing exactly this emotion within my relationships and never even knew the name for it. What an inspiring moment it was for me. So, I have chosen to share it with you.

        As just a tender child I remember learning this very action to this word, deep within my soul. I began to harvest and emit this type of love and respect for others around me. I firmly believe as I have searched within, this was the result of good relationships with my Great-Grand Parents, Grand Parents and Great Aunts. (After typing this post out I can see an interesting correlation of learning greatness from our Greats & Grands).

       I was taught respect for their very words. I listened carefully, never to do that which I had been told not to do. I was given the opportunity to sit upon their laps and receive smiles and laughs from their very hearts. They loved me and I knew it. Not only did I love them, my parents did also. I watched  them make sacrifices to have weekly time with them. I even watched my Grandfather long after my Grandmother was passed, still going to his mother-in-laws my Great-Grandmothers to care for and visit her.

Our lives can and most likely will be filled with ordinary moments;  but can we find a way to fill them with no ordinary meaning? This is possible through living "Genshai." 

   Can you imagine with me a life where everyone you passed had something to give you, that could raise your understanding, lift your burdens and even cause you to dig deeper within yourself to find your divine nature?

I believe this. There has always been something very real, special, and lasting in relationships. It comes from living and claiming this word "Genshai." (I highly recommend this book Aspire by Kevin Hall, it is beautiful and full of thought).

"Genshai"(GEN-shy)

One of my most favorite words. It sounds strong ; and also has a strong meaning & action that follows it.

When it is properly lived it can have more impact in your life and the lives of others. It is a glorified way of living charity. 

"[Genshai] is that you should never treat another person in a manner that would make them feel small and that also includes you."Quoted from Aprire by Kevin Hall

"As children, we were taught to never look at, touch, or address another person in a way that would make them feel small. If I were to walk by a beggar in the  street and casually toss him a coin, I would not be practicing Genshai. But if I knelt down on my knees and looked him in the eye when I placed that coin in his hand, that coin became love. Then and only then, after I had exhibited pure, unconditional brotherly love, would I become a true practitioner of Genshai."Quoted from Aprire by Kevin Hall

Does "Genshai" flow from our cups?
And if so, can it flow more fully?