What would your life be like in this moment if you realized that there was nothing you had to fix or change about yourself?
Why not pause for a moment, right now. and consider the possibility of simply “being” with everything “just as it is”. What do you see, smell, hear, taste and feel in this moment of “being”? When I pause to refresh and begin again, I notice….Life unfolding, seasons changing, and colors vibrantly appearing out of nowhere. Each one of us has our very unique way of perceiving life. Sometimes my day unfolds progressively with all kinds of tasks to complete and check off my list of “to do’s”. My most treasured days are the ones that begin with the sun rising and I am directly engaged with each moment unfolding organically. On that direct path the house wren lights on the railing and communicates in a language of trilling sound. The resonance travels through my nervous system and I hear in a language that directly communicates within my heart. At that moment, I am the wren and the wren is me.
Yoga in action, when there is no separation, total union and oneness of being alive in the moment. This being alive is precious and each moment is a celebration of the miracle of life. When I indulge in mind chatter that tries to fix or change me the magic disappears and the merry-go-round of self help projects begins. There is nothing I have to fix or change about this magnificent universe inside or outside. The past drops off and the future stays steeped in the mystery. Loving myself enough to cherish each moment is the most profound spiritual practice I’ve experimented with to date. When the experience is direct the meditative inquiry flows as the essence of life flows. I invite you to share one of your moments of “being”.
Tagged as:
great mysteries,
healthyliving,
personal retreat,
soul stories,
spiritual practices,
yoga
Have you ever decided to smile and wave to people you don’t know?
My dear husband Ignatius taught me this act of kindness and I chuckle every time I reflect on his daily practice. One day I was with him and he was waving and smiling away at people walking the road as we passed in the car. “Who’s that” I would ask. “Oh, just someone taking a walk” he would reply. It brought him joy to connect with people he didn’t know with a smile and a wave. I decided to bring him along with me on my walk into town on the island of Bequia, and open to connecting with people I didn’t know. To my delight, the responses were warm and yes, there was a sense of connection and belonging in a smile and wave.
When I reached town I headed for the vegetable stand that was known for the freshest vegetables and talkative vendors.
Outside the stand was a beautiful tree surrounded by a bench. In the distance were lots of men “shooting the breeze”. The enthusiasm of the vendors was at times too much to take and I had been warned. With my intention to smile and greet those I met there was none of that intrusion.
There were conversations with Roots, the Rasta man and the women shucking the peas for their families as they tended their stand. Those peas were not for sale. One of the women said she had fifteen children to feed.
Roots spoke of peace and love and the importance of shining your light into the world. The women spoke of family and why I should buy their vegetables first over all the other vendors at the stand. My smile took me around the stalls with joy in my heart, making purchases from each one.
As I left the stalls the woman with the peas handed me a small bag of her precious family peas and I just smiled a big thank you!
As I passed the local grocery store a young man was hauling a very fragile crate of eggs. Our eyes met and we chuckled as he tried to push them over the door jam. I offered a “back them in” and he tried my suggestion and smiled a thank you back at me.
Recently, I was reading my friend, Ingrid Goff-Maidoff’s blog http://ingridgoffmaidoff.com/tendingjoy/ and found her words and pictures about meeting place and people inspiring to read. Taking oneself on retreat and being with all that surfaces can be one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself. Taking myself on retreat has been food for my soul! Would love to hear from you. Are there simple actions that you have taken to
feel more connected and express your way of being?
Tagged as:
creative expressions,
great mysteries,
healthy living,
loving kindness,
personal retreat,
soul stories,
spiritual practices
Have you ever considered taking a walk and being mindful of each step?
OK, you ask, what is that supposed to mean? Simply stated, you pay attention to your feet as they touch the ground. Your inquiry can begin when you roll out of bed and feel your feet making contact with the floor. Or, you can make a specific intention to take your dog for a walk and notice each one of your steps and observe the steps of your furry friend as you both re-connect with nature.
One of my earliest teachers in this walking meditation practice was Thich Nhat Hanh. I begin this post of my experience “walking into town” on my retreat, with a video of Thay sharing thoughts on a practice that he has given the world. He states” you do this as if you are the happiest person in the world”.
The morning I awoke to walk into town, I felt like the happiest person in the world. No worries, no have to’s, [click to continue…]
Tagged as:
body wisdom,
loving kindness,
mindfulness and meditation,
personal retreat,
soul stories
Do you awake in the morning to the sound of an alarm?
Even thought I’ve customized my iphone to play a harp for wake-up I even turned that off! Taking myself on retreat meant there would be no alarms to wake me in the morning. Oh, except the natural ones that appeared. The birds singing, the sounds of the goats, dogs, roosters and occasional downpour were new wake-up calls on retreat.
With no “Have To’s”……
I lingered in bed and looked out at the sky brightening, or the sway of the palms in the breeze. I noticed my breath and listened to what my body was asking for in the moment. Some mornings I rolled over and continued with my dreams and just listened more deeply. Other mornings… [click to continue…]
Tagged as:
body wisdom,
creative expressions,
healthyliving,
personal retreat,
qigong,
soul stories,
spiritual practices
