It’s been three months since my husband and I moved back to San Diego. Catching up with family and friends and eating lots of good food has occupied our time. We have even gotten to see some San Jose friends who made the trip down for one reason or another. It finally feels real that we are home.

I was recently reminded of the importance of being seen and how settling that feels to my system. One Saturday night we went to a concert where a friend was playing. It was expected that we would run into people who also know this badass percussionist (check them out – Golden Hour) but I also encountered not one but two other friends from completely different areas of my life. The first time it happened it was sweet and unexpected, but during the warm embrace of the second encounter I was reminded that we do just want to go where everybody knows our name. At least I do.

For those of you who remember the series Cheers, the theme song lyrics stated “sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name….and they’re always glad you came” But the show was also known for a repeated scene when a regular customer would walk in and be greeted by a stereo of voices calling his name…”Norm!”

When I moved to San Jose it was one of the losses I felt most strongly when we first arrived. I didn’t know anyone. I considered it a great success when I ran into someone I knew from yoga at the grocery store. That simple act of recognition made my heart sing.

I realize this may not be the case for everyone. I’m first to admit that I have recognized someone I know in public and gone out of my way to not be seen by them. For some that may be a feeling they get across the board. There are multiple reasons why someone might not like to be seen but for me it creates a soothing feeling, a reassurance, a sense of community that goes a long way.

My heart aches for the families who are being separated at the border. To think about the impact of being torn from your caregivers and sent to a place where you see no familiar faces. I suspect the effects will be long lasting. I pray for their swift reunion and peace through the process. I also donated to organizations devoted to helping this cause. I wish I could do more or more importantly that it never happened in the first place.

Because the fact of the matter is, we are all connected. Ideally, each face we look into should mirror parts of ourselves. Even if we don’t see someone we know personally, their common humanity should shine back at us. I am certain this is where we come from on a soul level…I hope it’s where we are headed back to. For now I will enjoy the sweet bliss of the “Cheers effect” and make efforts to do the same for others.

Happy to be back by the ocean. SD beaches are the best!