Do You Appreciate the Little Things? (Flashes of Heaven)

Posted by NWSO • September 29, 2010 • Printer-friendly

Whether you believe in an afterlife or not, I think we all get flashes of heaven in different forms right here on Earth. It can be as simple as witnessing the birth of your first child, a smile from a beautiful person from across a crowded room, a kind gesture from a stranger, or a brief experience of true love.

These moments are pure, unfiltered and typically only come in rare, albeit brief, spurts. So we have to treasure them in the moment, because the bliss contained within those fleeting seconds, minutes, days or months (if we're that lucky) are just flashes of heaven.

I had a flash of heaven once. It was a deep, vibrant, immaculate burst of light. So pure, so perfect, that it blinded me.

No, not in a harmful or hurtful way.

In fact, I basked in this loss of vision. This chance to let go. I embraced the sanctity of what I was experiencing, because losing sight of what typically held my focus awakened my other senses. Made me more human and less of an automaton.

Parts of me that I had left untapped for far too long were now in active use.

A flash, however, can only last but so long. Sooner or later, the light begins to dim and it fades away to exist only in memory.

#Sigh

Despite the eventual departure, though, a flash of heaven is better than nothing at all—especially for someone living in hell.

Have you ever experienced a flash of heaven? If so, who or what was the spark for that experience? What classifies as a flash of heaven for you? Have you ever been so deep in love that nothing else even mattered when you were with that person? How often do you take time out to appreciate the little things in life? What did you think of this different approach to Wet Wednesdays?

Speak your piece…

SONG OF THE DAY:
Lauryn Hill feat. D’Angelo “Nothing Even Matters”

Tagged as: first born, heaven, hell, love, poetry, relationship

http://www.brandeeyounger.com/blog Brandee Younger

That flash of Heaven can happen more often if you are in tune enough to allow it. You can channel that feeling when you need it Additionally, the ability to hold on to that feeling and revisit it when necessary is an incredible thing.

There are people I can be with, male and female, where nothing else matters at all #nohomo. Certain people are just that electrifying and in tune to you.

I have a moment like that, or as you say, a "flash of Heaven" just about every day. The more people you look in the eye on the street, the more people you speak back to sincerely when spoken to, the more beauty that you notice in nature, the more these moments occur. In short, if we got out of our own heads more often, we would be happier people
http://www.AConleyCreation.com karmagini

I don't think I've had a flash of heaven as you referenced, but many encounters with God, and I seek them as well. I've found that being grateful for the small things increases your abundance of positivity, it is a great way to stay present, and also changes your energy if you're in a funk. There is so much to be appreciative for & God is in everything.
Distinguished Gentlewoman

That flash of "heaven" came on the day that I realized that I was in love for the first time. I literally felt a part of me leave my body and fuse with a part of him. It wasn't a sexual feeling, it was just a deep bond, a connection that made me feel like we were the only two people on the planet. It was as if my soul had found its other half. After we broke up, we wouldn't see each other for months, sometimes years, but when we did, the connection was always there. He once called me a "witch" because he said he just couldn't get me out of him head.

The funny thing is, I saw him just a few weeks ago, and felt absolutely NOTHING; no connection whatsoever. I can't relate to the man he has grown into, but the part of me that experienced what I experienced that day with him will always be in love with that young man with whom I shared that heavenly connection. Corny, yes. But true.

Crazy coincidence: Just downloaded that album onto my iPod. Put that song on repeat during my subway ride last night.
R.e.D

What do you know about that song, LOL???...That right there captures everything I was talking about when I referenced being in love sometime back.
Fantasia has a really tight song on her new album called 'Teach me.' I don't even really know why I brought this up, except maybe to compare. Lauryn Hill's song causes me to reminisce on the past, Fantasia's reminds me of my (hopeful!) future...

Why so vague about your flash of heaven? I still don't know what you are talking about.
Ah well, perhaps that was the point. Happy Wednesday!
Darling

I'm one of the blessed ones. My flash of heaven comes almost everday in my daughters eyes. Her face lights up when she sees me. I feel automatically better when I pick her up in the evenings after work. That is a love that will never fade. I'm also blessed to have an extrememly good friend, who makes my face bright whenever I hear from him. Despite the craziness and drama, I have to remember that flashes of heaven occur everyday. I hope everyone else can expierence that.
Preachthecomedian

I saw flashes of heaven before in my life. I am a creator. Meaning I create music,poetry,writing,comedy, etc. Heaven is when I am so intnued to my inner spirit and I feel the creativity flowing thru me. The peace I get from walking in the path I know the most high has given me is that flash. Those little pieces of life that shows us who we really are. Take away the masks, facades, learned attitudes of everything and see the raw and real piece of God in you. That flash is the most beautiful thing ever. Feels you up like air in a ballon and lets you float. When im creating i am truly n the moment. Not worrying about yesterday, not being concerned with tomorrow but literally just being there. That flash of heaven is not comparable to anything else in the world.Like the word said "the peace that passes all understanding"
AD

In my walk thru day to day activities, those days sometimes are full of hell and drama! So I try my best to experience some type of happiness or heavenly feeling. For example, since I've moved away from family and friends talking to them always bring a smile to my face and makes me laugh like a silly school kid (specially my sis...she's a hoot!) And like last night after a hectic day, I found great pleasure for 30 minutes before bed (get your mind out the gutter) eating red velvet yogurt and watching Seinfeld. A flash of heaven is whatever brings your mind, soul, and spirit peace whether it’s looking into the eyes of the one you love or seeing the sun rise.

NWSO....this new approach to Wet Wednesdays can be Reflection Wednesdays...which still touch on intimacy but with yourself on another level. I likey!
Mz. Ashley

I like the different approach to W.W. Very peaceful. I get a flash of heaven every morning I wake up, and every day at 4PM when i get off. That little piece of heaven is my lovely Brian. I love him so much, that at times, nothing else matters. I cant wait to experience our flash of Heaven in April when our first child is born. I have never been happier in my life, then I am right now.
journeytowifey

at first i trying to think real hard, and then it hit me, how often i've had them

times when i think i'm on the edge, about the come crashing down, i get a life preserver which carries me a little bit further

i even heard a voice in my head say: everything's gonna be alright

always, and only when i needed it
peajez

You said it perfectly! Me and my ex def have that same connection, when we see each other it's still this electric spark that I just can't describe and my biggest fear, which might sound corny as well is that I'll see him one day and the spark that we once had will be gone because of the growth that we've both experienced. Only time will tell but Ans this was a great post, I'm sure it'll make most of your readers reflect on the glimps of heaven we've all experienced at some time or another
Rastaman

Yo Ans, "Just Say No!!" dawg. LOL
Everyone wants to get to heaven but nobody wants to die.....
Shaquetta

I wish I could post the picture. I saw the most beautiful sunset I have ever seen. If you were in Baltimore yesterday we shared the same experience. It looked like heaven.
Distinguished Gentlewoman

This was so beautiful it made me cry.
bogart4017

Its the moment when you look in your childs eyes and see unconditional love and trust...
...and that moment when you look in your soulmates eyes and time stands still and nothing and no one else matters...
...and that moment when its 2am and the ground is covered with snow and the snow is still gently falling and you look out of the window and feel like you are the only one in the world awake...
http://thecandyshoppe@att.net Ronnie6676

I probably listened to that song 1000 times yesterday...man oh man. As far as men I have someone who makes me feel that way. But we are friends only with no chances of being anything else so ahh well. And then there is the love of my life, my son. Every time I look at him I see heaven. Feel renewed and reborn. It's something that I can't explain and never thought I would have in my life.
Elle

Like others, I've experienced that itty bitty piece of heaven with my ex-fiance. Goodness, life was grant back then. Problem is, nothing lasts forever. So when you fall and land, it may very well shatter you or parts of you. Which is why I believe finding too much of one's happiness in or with another person is a road to disaster.

I try finding happiness and little heavenly moments in many other things now. And it works better for me. Of course, those things won't last forever either but they may be somewhat replaceable.
My life has changed so dramatically this year - in a great way - and I am consciously making the effort to enjoy every moment while it lasts. So to me, riding down a street during sunset, having green tea frozen yogurt or spending time with my awesome co-workers are pieces of heaven. Couldn't be happier with my life.
Caramella

I got laid off a couple months ago and it was the best thing that has ever happened to me. I went from a fast paced life to just taking it slow and really appreciating everything around me. I have discovered yoga and meditation. Rediscovered friends, family and my husband. It's funny...I felt like my job an career was everything. Now I know it is not. There is much more to life than working. As I wake up each morning, I know I have so much to be thankful for. These few reflective moments each morning are my reflections of heaven.
http://nwso.net Gemini

My little flash of Heaven came the day the World Trade Center got hit. I worked in 2 World. My little girl was the only child who had a parent that worked in the buildings and she was left in class alone all the other children were picked up. The smile on her face when she saw me still brings tears to my eyes. She was 9 years old. I can still see her smile.
http://nwso.net/ NWSO

Whatchtalkinboutwillis?
QuoteMan

Be it an on-going experience or a memory, what makes moment like this so invigorating is the pleasure of losing yourself completely, even if it’s just for a moment. These rare occasions could be all one needs to face tomorrow. Regardless of how bad things get, I think the good times should count for something. Oftentimes, people complain too much, forgetting what a stroll down memory lane could do……… Life is not always gloomy, stop killing yourself people.
http://www.AConleyCreation.com karmagini

My art provides that same feeling of presence as well. It's as if time stands still and I get lost in the creation, the strokes, the colors, the flow of water... truly a blessing to create.
scorpio temptress

I have experience many pieces of heaven. When I first fell in love with my boyfriend he open my eyes to all the miracles occuring around me. He would take me on the balcony and show me beautiful formations of clouds in the sky. He would speak kind words to me in the morning before I left 4 work and encourage me to go after what ever I desired in life. he's so compassionate and kind to everyone and being with him is my own piece of heaven. Also family gatherings are little pieces of heaven to me when all my family members young and old come together we party and laugh and just have a good time. My family has faced many trials but we all have a bond that cannot be broken. I also love the fact the even though my mom and dad are not together both sides of my family come together often to party and celebrate occassions together. basically being with the people I love can be like my little piece of heaven on earth
Kay

I WANT SEX I WANT SEX!!!! wat is this??? lmao no im just playin this was nice...but really i come on here 4 the other stuff just gonna be honest
http://nwso.net/ NWSO

SMH

I'd hope you come here for more than just sex stuff.

#LimitationsSuck
Womanofyr

I do appreciate, but I do not always verbally express it. Maybe in some situations I will return the favor immediately, or express it somehow. I'm not sure if the other persons know what they do. But I can return the favor somehow.
Kay

Aw no its not, but it is wat brought me to this site in the 1st place i love ur other stuff 2
Webb

NWSO,
I wrote my first post on my personal blog about this very thing, it was truly about questioning if I had seen a glimpse of heaven and having appreciation. You should read it if you have a second. It's called Empathetic Hearts and Angels.
http://nwso.net/ NWSO

Good stuff, you need to write some more. Hint, hint, nudge nudge.
I had a similar situation last year during ramadan when I seen this old man who said Good Morning to me, which is rare for NYC, but felt like he was a sign to be more cordial to my fellow man etc.

For everyone else, peep Webb's post here:

http://productofoctober.blogspot.com/2010/04/empathetic-hearts-and-angels.html
http://www.dashofreality.wordpress.com Dash

Hmmmmm, I like this post a lot. I don't know about "flashes of Heaven" but I definitely find joy and appreciation in the little things. I especially love when an elderly lady smiles at me. That's my favorite.
KK

OHH Geez...I can sooo relate to this! I finally saw my best friend after 8 months and seeing her glowing in all her pregnant glory made me realize how much I really do appreciate this life! What a little piece of heaven!

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