Intrinsically Speaking

I wonder if I've been using the word intrinsic out of context my entire life. As one who feels things rather than knows things, the word is one I use frequently to describe experiences that effect me on more than just a superficial level. To be more specific, I use the word to describe experiences that effect me deeply but for reasons I am unable to pinpoint. I call them intrinsic moments because a wonderful ache ripples through to the core of my being and I'm instantly awash with the sublime. I know what your'e thinking - visits to the opium den aren't intrinsic moments! How silly are you?

Allow to clarify - I have never been to an opium den and none of these intrinsic moments have ever been related to any sort of drug use whatsoever. Instead, they are moments tiny and almost instantaneous brought about by unseen forces. For example, my last night in Ireland, I stayed in a charming little B&B in Larne. Larne is a lovely dot of vibrant green located about thirty miles from Belfast. I had just taken a hot bath and was feeling warm at last after a long, cold train ride and walk through the town. As I dressed for dinner, I had a BBC fundraising program on TV and a boy band called Take Five began performing a song. Typical, poppy boyband fare, this song suddenly had me frozen mid hair brush and I was locked in a moment. I looked out my window at the charming coastal town full of ancient townhouses, crumbling stone churches, wet streets glistening under a bright Irish moon, and BAM! There it was. Another intrinsic moment, pure, unadulterated bliss.

Maybe I use the word wrong, but I have taken it and I shan't be returning it. To me, I have made the connection that an intrinsic moment is a nod from the Heavens, the powers that be are saying "Yep. Your'e where you need to be. Right now, right this very moment was written for you prior to your birth. Congratulations for finding your way."