June 30, 2008
What are you present to?
In this moment of this day, what has your attention?
Early Sunday morning I took our dogs for a walk on the lane behind our house. For the first hundred yards or so, I was oblivious to my surroundings and to my self in the moment. My monkey mind was busy chattering about the day before, the weeks before, even years before. This went on before I started fretting about the “shoulds,” “if only” and “what ifs” of “tomorrow.”
Suddenly a car backfired in the distance, startling me. When I realized where I was, I stopped in my tracks, inhaled deeply and exhaled slowly, centering my spirit and grounding my awareness in the present moment. I lingered for a few moments, breath watching and settling my thoughts. Fully engaged in the privilege of being me, I resumed my walk.
In this place of presence, I began to notice the subtle scent of pine, rich damp earth and the last few remnants of honeysuckle blossom clinging to the vine. Choir music danced on the breeze as robins, cardinals, crows and wren trumpeted their morning prayers. I looked up into a stand of hardwoods and a vision of green leafy branches dancing a tango with the wind against a brilliant blue sky. I felt the warmth of the sun upon my face and the strength of the ground beneath my feet.
By shifting my awareness, the moments of the morning were transformed. My thoughts shifted from chaotic monkey chatter to calm serenity. My energy shifted from anxious to joyous. My heart shifted from closed and protected to wide open and present to the miracles of life. The experience was beautiful. Even the monkey was awed.
What are you present to?
In this moment, where is your awareness?
What’s available for you by quieting your mind and standing fully present?
What miracles are revealed?