a cup of coffee and a lesson in life

It was a crisp autumn afternoon when I received an unexpected invitation from Prof Budi, a man whose wisdom and insight I deeply admired. “Lets meet up this week at your favourite cafe!” his whatsapp read. The simple message didn’t show how important our meeting would turn out to be. I felt both excited and nervous as I got ready, knowing that this would be more than just a casual talk over coffee.

This place, is my favourite place. It has its charm lying in its industrial decor and the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee that filled the air, atmosphere that I’ve always liked, an atmosphere that is familiar and that’s why it’s my favorite place. I arrived a few minutes early, choosing a table by the window where the golden sunlight cast a warm glow.

Prof Budi arrived with his characteristic smile and a twinkle in his eye. “I hope I haven’t kept you waiting,” he said as he settled into the chair opposite mine. We exchanged pleasantries and ordered our drinks — an espresso for him and a cappucino for me. There was an air of familiarity and comfort.

Our conversation began with the usual small talk, but it quickly delved into deeper territories. “I’ve been thinking a lot about life’s purpose lately,” I confessed. Prof Budi nodded, his eyes encouraging me to continue. “It’s easy to get lost in the daily grind” he said. “But sometimes, a simple cup of coffee can remind us of the bigger picture.”

He then shared a story that would stay with me forever. “There’s an old parable about a man who was walking along a beach,” he began. “He saw thousands of starfish washed ashore, dying under the sun. The man started picking them up one by one, throwing them back into the sea. A passerby scoffed, ‘You can’t save them all. What difference can you make?’ The man replied, ‘It makes a difference to this one.’” The story resonated deeply, illustrating the impact of small, meaningful actions.

“The lesson here,” Prof Budi explained, “is the power of presence and intention. We often underestimate the significance of our actions and the influence we can have on others.” He sipped his espresso thoughtfully, letting his words sink in. “Being fully present in the moment, like we are now, sharing a cup of coffee, can have a profound effect on our understanding of life.”

Our conversation meandered through various topics, from philosophy to personal anecdotes. At one point, Prof Budi quoted from Paulo Coelho’s “The Alchemist”: “When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too.” This quote struck a chord with me, emphasizing the importance of inner transformation in the face of external challenges.

We discussed the concept of resilience, a theme central to Coelho’s work and many others. “Resilience is not just about bouncing back,” Prof Budi said, “it’s about adapting and growing stronger through adversity.” He shared his own experiences, the setbacks he had faced, and how each had contributed to his growth. His words were a testament to the enduring human spirit.

As we continued, the conversation turned to the idea of perspective. “Perspective shapes our reality,” Prof Budi said. “It’s like the story of the blind men and the elephant — each one describes the elephant differently based on the part they touch. Our understanding of life is limited by our own experiences and viewpoints.” He encouraged me to seek out diverse perspectives and to remain open to learning from others.

One of the most striking lessons came when we discussed humility. “True wisdom comes from acknowledging our limitations and the vastness of what we don’t know,” he said. “As Socrates famously said, ‘I know that I know nothing.’ This humility allows us to remain curious and continuously seek knowledge.” His humility, despite his vast knowledge, was one of the qualities I most admired in him.

Prof Budi spoke passionately about the importance of following one’s passions. “Passion fuels purpose,” he said. “It’s what drives us to overcome obstacles and achieve great things.” He quoted Steve Jobs: “The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” His words inspired me to pursue my own passions with renewed vigor and dedication.

As our conversation drew to a close, we talked about the significance of human connection. “Life is about relationships,” Prof Budi said. “The bonds we form with others are what give life meaning and fulfillment.” He emphasized the importance of nurturing these connections and being present for the people who matter most to us.

Before we parted, Prof Budi left me with a final reflection. “Remember, life is like a cup of coffee,” he said. “It’s not about the cup, but the coffee inside. The material things are just the vessels; it’s the experiences, relationships, and lessons that fill our lives with richness and flavor.” His analogy was simple yet profound, encapsulating the essence of our conversation.

As I walked away from the café, I felt a deep sense of gratitude and clarity. The lessons I had learned over that cup of coffee were invaluable, offering new insights into my own life and aspirations. I realized that life’s true essence lies in the small, meaningful moments we often overlook. Just as a cup of coffee holds warmth and depth, our lives are enriched by the lessons and connections we nurture.

With a heart full of inspiration and a mind buzzing with ideas, I knew that my journey of learning and growth was just beginning.