I fly a lot. I love to fly. I love planes and airports. I love the time before I can turn my computer on as we are taking off to catch up reading a newspaper. I love going to new place and meeting new people.
Things I don’t like: People who bring two bags onto the plane and then put them both in the overhead space on a very full flight. People who talk so loud on their cell phone that even with out the use of the cell phone the person they are talking to could hear them. Parents who threaten their misbehaving children with, “If you don’t straighten up I am going to leave you hear at the airport and you are going to be all alone.” (Really said last Sunday in Chicago). People who are rude to service agents and fight attendants, especially when it is about wealth or mechanical issues (or anything else they don’t have control over).
One other thing I do love on planes is crying babies. I really do. Crying babies cause two reactions from me.
First, whenever I hear a crying baby (especially in an airport or on an airplane) I take pause. I center myself as much as I can. I try and fill my own heart with as much peace and joy as I can muster. Then I project that peace and joy into the baby. I do this until the baby stops crying. I have no idea if this has any effect on the baby. It does have an effect on me.
It reminds me that this little baby who is in some discomfort is a perfect little being. The baby was divinely created and is animated by a prefect soul. It is loved unconditionally by God and should also be by me. Maybe my prayers will bring it some peace in this discomforting moment.
Also, it is not only a good opportunity to bring myself to peace (in order to do this meditation), but it is a reminder of how I should perceive those around me. They to (and myself) are these being animated by prefect souls that are unconditionally loved by our God and I should do the same.
Second, malnourished babies don’t have the energy to cry. When I hear I baby crying, it reminds me to give thanks that this baby has enough enery to cry.

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