Like most of us, I have the odd wobble before getting into a big metal bird that lifts me above the clouds in flight.
Something our distant ancestors would not believe was possible. So it’s O.K. to be apprehensive in an airport.
Being Curious is the best cure for fear.
I tried it last week by watching and listening to other passengers at 4 a.m. in Birmingham Airport. We were all a bit tired, stifling yawns and smoothing down dishevelled ‘bed hair’ as we queued.
Heading off to Spain for a dose of Autumn sunshine, we were among people of all ages. Some family groups with three generations holidaying together. You could sense the excitement as a lively toddler clutched a luminous green cuddly teddy and their Grandma’s hand. Both equally precious.
There was a senior gentleman on his own who told me this was his first holiday since his wife had died. He was nervous but hoped that she’d be proud that he was doing as she wished. We made sure he found the right departure gate in time and waved him off.
Two women clinked wine glasses in celebration of leaving hospital worries behind for a week, with a jubilant toast, ‘F**k Cancer!’
A shy young couple carefully unwrapped foil parcels of what looked like cheese sandwiches, as they shared a set of ear buds for their holiday soundtrack.
There were staff with immaculate hair and makeup who worked the night shift with professionalism and warmth, greeting us passengers with genuine smiles.
I felt my heart expand at these tender stories surrounding me.
“In the end we all become stories” wrote Margaret Atwood, and I find myself wondering about all these people and what their lives might be like.
Many struggling and coping with the major life challenges and losses that we all face at times, but hoping for a break to explore this planet and perhaps gain a wider perspective on their worries.
I get soppier with age, and as a Funeral Celebrant, I often witness great courage in the families I look after.
If you watch the news regularly, you’ll be appalled at the worst of humanity. But watching each other stumbling along and doing our best in the airport, you can glimpse hope in our vulnerabilities.
If you have a deep seated fear of flying, perhaps you gaze at your fellow passengers and wonder if these are the last people you’ll see on earth? Which adds a layer of connection to a group of strangers you’re about to share a flight with.
Sitting on the plane before take off, there’s a warm feeling of tenderness for each of the people I’ve noticed and their stories.
An added bonus and it has taken the edge off any fear of flying. Instead I’m humbled by how us imperfect humans are each just doing our best, hopefully helping each other and being kind. None of us know if we’ll be able to fly again.
Also I packed my favourite chocolate.
That’s the other antidote to fear.
Curiosity and Chocolate, together they work wonders.
Photo thanks to Hanson Lu at Unsplash.