Written by Maeve Belshaw, co-founder at Soulful Soundwaves
One of the things we love most about travelling are the souls we get to meet.
After a recent and unexpected healing, Maeve was told “you will be led to the people you need to meet. These people won’t make you greater, you will make yourself greater thanks to their presence.” This statement couldn’t ring more true after the last person we had the pleasure to meet.
We would like to introduce you to this gorgeous human - the gentlest and kindest of souls, Daniel Goater.
Last week we had the fortunate opportunity to meet this man, however the universe did have to step in to make sure it all happened.
Here’s how the story unfolded…
Originally planning to head north (pretty quickly) for a little warmth, we hadn’t actually planned on staying at this particular location more than one night. However, when we pulled up for the night we noticed the pungent smell of diesel and a HUGE diesel leak from the car engine. So it seemed the universe had grander plans and we knew we would have to surrender in for a few days.
The morning after we arrived and once the car had been towed to a nearby mechanic, we were out enjoying a nice cup of tea in the late morning sun. Awaiting the diagnosis of our beloved and somewhat injured car, we heard the soft words “hello” being spoken in a quintessentially British accent. Raising our gaze to see where this greeting came from, we were met with the smiley and welcoming face soon to be introduced as Daniel.
Daniel’s first question to us both was “guys, what do you do? I have just seen the writing on the side of your van and I am so curious. I couldn’t help but be excited…” This opening question already had us intrigued as our branding on our van “relaxing hearts and minds through music and meditation” either invokes conversation or steers people clear.
We asked Daniel to sit with us. We shared a cup of tea and we were delighted to share our story of how and why we do what we do. The hours passed in what felt like an instant and before we knew it the sun was setting. From the moment of our meeting, it was apparent Daniel wasn’t a stranger, we had been guided to him thanks to the universe’s intervention.
Daniel is 85 years of age with eyes that shine like a 5 year old. He is FULL to the absolute brim with profound love, generosity and graciousness. His soul oozes calmness. His every word sings gently as it leaves his lips with intention and lands deep in your heart. Every single piece of Daniel’s soul deeply cares for the presence of the other he spends his time with as he embodies presence. As he looks into your eyes, he reflects the best part of you as that is the only part he sees. And what attracted this man to us was the word “music” and “mind”. The two words that are the essence of everything we do.
For many years, Daniel has practiced the art of meditation and contemplation daily. He takes great pride in carving out his sacred time to connect with the universe. This connection makes him feel into his joy and gratitude for life. As a recent widow, through his connection and faith he understands and deeply knows he’s been given the chance to live for both he and his wife. He is also a self-taught musician and music is the song of his soul.
Every afternoon, Daniel would come over to our van and Lorenzo and he would talk music and Lorenzo would play for Daniel. Watching and witnessing this bond flourish cracked my heart wide open. Seeing the sparkle intensify in Daniel’s eyes when Lorenzo played for him will never ever leave our mind’s eye.
Daniel, you are a profound teacher. You are a true master. A master of graciousness and compassion and you’ve changed us both for the better.
Daniel ever so generously gifted Lorenzo a beautiful clarinet with the words “this is my contribution to the lives you are helping and to your purpose. I believe in you both and the amazing things you’re doing for the community.“
Daniel, dearest friend and teacher, we take you with us on our journey with Soulful Soundwaves. Your intention and generosity will infiltrate our music and our spoken words. It was an absolute pleasure and divine experience to have met you. Until we meet again, Namaste.
Here’s how we can learn to live more like Daniel every single day:
Be curious
Practice meditation & listen to nature
See the best in people
Be generous with others - whether you know them or not
Allow music into your soul
Seize the day and the wonders it brings
And with our car fixed, (small and inexpensive modification required), it was time for us to depart and be guided to our next soul and teacher on our journey.
If you enjoyed this blog and would like to hear more stories just this this one, please let us know by commenting below. Thanks for reading.