Majesty & Worthiness in Portugal

I recently visited Lisboa, Portugal with my mom and sister. We had a fantastic time, visiting majestic churches, palaces & castles, interesting museums and enjoying the beautiful architecture, art & spectacular views.

We were struck by the many derelict yet beautiful buildings scattered throughout the city and our conversation tended to land on the struggles of society and the deserving and worthiness of the less fortunate. My caring and empathetic mother naturally chose to share what she could with anyone we passed who was in need... of whom there were many.

Being slightly hardened from living in big cities towards people on the streets, I noticed that my compassion towards these people depended on how they asked for money, if it seemed their money would go to drugs, and whether or not they were doing something productive.... Shamefully, I asked my mom why she gives to just anybody. She pointed out that everyone has a family and you never know how many children they have at home to feed..... Admiringly, I learned that our true worth can only really be found in our potential.

Our day trip to Sintra to explore the Palácio da Pina and Castelo dos Mouros is one I will always remember with clarity. Perched high up in the hills above Sintra, the scenery was bliss and my thoughts were high from the inspiring artwork, intricate details and vibrant history found inside.

While exploring I contemplated the meaning of worthiness, and made an effort to stay aware of the feelings inside my body, I noticed distinctive changes in my thoughts and emotions throughout the day when my environment changed.... from room to room, from one site to the next, and when others were near or far for instance.

It was the lightness of the clouds, the details of the stone structures, the deep blue of the sky, the chill of the wind, the comforting presence of my sister beside me and the appreciation of being inside my own body and life that kept my thoughts the highest, my emotions of joy soaring, and created feelings of excitement to explore my own worth.