🌿 A poem a day keeps the blues away…
Meet Balthazar. Yes, him, the donkey in the picture :)…
What was meant to be a short walk by myself turned into a two-hour stroll through the woods of Binningen with one of the most calm, curious, and empathetic creatures I’ve ever met.
Which is why this week’s poem is about SERENDIPITY.
I usually start with the poem and follow with my reflections.
But today, I want to tell you about Balthazar first.
🪴 Balthazar is a Grand Noir du Berry
(even though he’s rather “petit” for his breed).
He is 14 years old.
He is curious about the world and stops every now and then to notice things: a plane passing overhead, a group of children laughing, an old lady on a bench with her dog…
Oh—and he loves dogs. Totally unfazed by them, no matter their size. Trusting enough to let them come really close.
Horses, on the other hand, seem far more nervous when meeting him than he is when meeting them.
He is also the first donkey I’ve met who can walk for two hours without pulling me left, right, and centre to munch on a patch of grass.
His equanimity and soft character were quite something to witness.
- Kids, no matter their age, were allowed to touch him without hesitation or worry.
- He seemed to have trouble saying goodbye to the old lady on the bench with her dog. We had lingered so long; they’d become part of the herd.
- And when I struggled to walk him down slopes (given my injured knee), he noticed and slowed down so I could keep my pace.
There are also a few things Balthazar doesn’t like.
He doesn’t like being touched on the face, even after he’s smelled your hand. After all: “we’ve literally just met”.
He doesn’t like being tapped on the back. He prefers long, gentle strokes across his neck and body.
And he doesn’t like it when things come from behind. So every biker, pedestrian, or car gets the right of way. He stops, waits until they’ve passed, and only then continues.
That’s how he knows it’s safe.
🪴 Now, how did Balthazar and I meet?
Serendipity, my friends!
I’ve been feeling unwell the past few days. But yesterday the sun was so lovely—not a single cloud in the sky—and the temperature was reminiscent of a warm spring day.
So I simply had to haul my butt off the couch and go outside.
My hope was to take a walk with my husband. But he had already left for his own walk, which I was initially very disappointed about.
So I pondered my choices:
- continue vegetating on the couch, or
- go outside and see how far I could get with my half-baked knee and cold-filled head.
I chose the latter.
Halfway up the hill, I notice a gentleman with a donkey.
His beauty was astounding (the donkey’s that is!).
So I stopped and watched him—still the donkey!—for a little while. Then I kept going.
Given my slow pace, Fabian (the caretaker) and Balthazar soon caught up with me.
Now those of you who know me know that I love talking to strangers. So I started chit-chatting with Fabian and asking about his donkey.
After a while, I thanked him for the conversation, wished them a lovely walk, and continued on.
A few seconds later, Fabian stops and says:
“Would you like to walk Balthazar?”
And the rest is history.
A short introduction.
A few simple instructions.
And suddenly, here I am—walking the loveliest donkey, having a relaxed conversation with his kind caretaker, on a beautiful spring day, through the stunning fields and woods of Binningen, for a full two hours.
I even got to take Balthazar back home to his farm and say goodbye.
The best part?
Halfway through our walk, I could tell we were both getting comfortable with each other.
He allowed me to nudge him forward when I knew he was safe—and he trusted me to make that judgement.
He allowed me to guide him across manhole covers—something he dislikes, but that his caretaker likes to train with him.
And by the time I took him home, we were friends.
I hope to see Balthazar and Fabian again on one of my walks—I do know where they live now!
But whether I do or not, I’ll always carry the memory of the kindest, calmest, most empathetic donkey I’ve ever met.
And I’ve met a few.
(No euphemisms there!)
🪴 I also had a few more serendipitous encounters yesterday and today that will probably shape part of my coaching and training practice quite significantly—but that’s a story for another post.
For now, I leave you with this week’s poem—an ode to the quiet magic of unexpected encounters.
————————
IN THE SERENITY OF SERENDIPITY
🌻 In the realm of chance and fate’s embrace,
Where destiny weaves its intricate lace,
There lies a place of wonder and delight,
A realm where serendipity takes flight.
Oh, Serendipity, you are a muse divine,
Guiding us through life’s labyrinthine,
With your gentle touch and whispered call,
You lead us to treasures, great and small.
In moments unexpected, you suddenly appear,
A serenade of joy, a symphony so clear,
A chance encounter, a meeting of souls,
Where hearts entwine and destiny unfolds.
Your magic lies in the unexpected surprise,
A meeting of minds, a meeting of eyes,
In the crowded streets or a bustling café,
You join together two souls astray.
Your presence is felt in the gentle breeze,
In the rustling leaves and the dancing trees,
In the golden sunset’s ethereal glow,
You reveal secrets sure only you know.
You are the spark that ignites the fire,
The inspiration that fuels our desire,
To chase our dreams, to follow our hearts,
To embrace the unknown, where serendipity starts.
Oh, Serendipity, you are a gift divine,
A reminder that life’s tapestry is intertwined,
With threads of chance and moments unforeseen,
Where miracles happen, where dreams convene.
Let us now celebrate your wondrous grace,
In every unexpected turn life may trace,
For in the realm of serendipitous delight,
We find the magic that makes our spirits take flight. 🌻
—Solomon Walker
published on medium.com
————————
🪴 Serendipity rarely knocks loudly.
Sometimes it happens when we decide to step outside our comfort zone (in my case, my ever-so-beloved couch).
Sometimes it happens when we openly encounter one another (I-Thou).
Sometimes it simply walks up the hill behind you.
With a donkey.
📌 When was the last time you allowed a serendipitous encounter or moment to happen?
🦋 Happy Sunday everyone! 🦋
With love,
Dina 🫶🏽
Resources:
- Where to visit Balthazar: If you live nearby Binningen (CH), you can visit Balthazar (and Fabian) at the Sur Vojo farm (survojo.ch). You will find two Grand noir du Berry there – Balthazar is the smaller one. The other, and much larger one, is Lotus.
- This week’s song is Serendipity by Laufey
Recent Comments