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…I was guided to the hill behind my retreat home to walk up and greet the sunrise, and sit for a bit.
My sitting began gazing out to the sun rising in the east and feeling the sparkle of the light diffusing through the sacred trees that stand tall and root deep into the ancient volcanic land I was sitting on. My positions changed over the weeks and my practices ranged from breath awareness, to focusing on the sound and sensation present.
The morning ferry would sound its departure horn as it headed out of the harbor on its way to St. Vincent.
Each moment unfolded in the essence of pure “being”.
After sitting I would rise to stretch out. Standing tall as if I could touch the sky and the clouds that streamed by. If my body wanted to move I’d salute the sun or Lift Chi up and Pull Chi Down. Celebrating all the somatic movements this body has experimented with over the years. Calling forth what it wanted in the moment not what I imposed on it for some promise of well-being. All of me was happy with this harmony of living in conversation with the universe inside and out. After movement my stomach would ask for some food to nourish and support this joy. Ah, the wonder of the kitchen and the vibrant colors of the fruits and vegetables awaited me. I lovingly prepared my morning feast simply relaxing into eating.
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