joy

"We should all do what, 

in the long run, gives us joy,

even if it is only picking grapes

or sorting the laundry.

E.B. White

I believe it is important to do something everyday that makes us happy.  Sometimes, though, we discover these things as we go along and the joy is doubled with the surprise.  But there are those sure-fire ways that make us sigh with contentment.  I love to take long baths, drink coffee with cream, stare at the clouds, connect with a dear friend or family member through a phone call and enjoy a quiet evening at home with my husband.  What do you love to do?  What things do you know, without a doubt, bring you joy?  Knowing this is the marrow in the bones that build the framework of a happy life.

baby steps

these are a pair of my first shoes.  completely worn and saved for years by my mother.  they look tiny in my hand but i know the steps i took while wearing them were big.

i am trying to take some important steps right now.  steps toward health and authenticity.  steps toward living fuller each day, every moment.  the progress seems slow, more baby steps than super hero leaps. *sigh*  but i try to stay with it, stay in it, and see it through.  baby steps.

because there is no turning back once a journey is envisioned.  i can only hope to keep moving and not stop at that attractive rest stop (ha - that's almost an oxymoron if you've been on the road lately!) and stagnate.  these shoes no longer fit but maybe the spirit of movement will....

hanging on to now

Yesterday I went on a hike along the shore of Lake Pend Oreille.  It was a perfect summer day - the right temperature, blue sky, the sound of waves lapping onto the rocks.

But I kept finding myself thinking about work and things I need to do.  I was making a to-do list in my head for when the hike was over.  I rolled over events and people in the past.  I clearly was not present for this experience.

So I had to keep pulling myself back to the now and it was work!  Like exercise, it required effort and practice.  Maybe someday it will be more natural for me to stay present but I have not made it a habit.
All I can think of to remedy this is to keep at it, over and over, until it is what I do when surrounded by beauty.

Do you have trouble remaining present even in the most positive of situations?  Please let me know if you have any tips on this practice.

In the Moment

Earlier this month, my husband and i spent a weekend at a near-by resort, Sanctuary.

In the evenings, after dinner, we would go down to the pool and go swimming.  At that point in the day, the water was about the same temperature as the air so getting in was smooth and easy.  We would float on our backs and watch the sun set and the stars come out.  

It was so easy to be in the moment, to concentrate on all that was happening right then.  But how do we do that when it isn't as easy?  When we are doing the dishes, shopping for groceries, cleaning the toilet?  It isn't difficult to soak in the moment when it meets all our expectations.  However, it is a lot more difficult in the ordinary, everyday moments that fill most of our time.

Let's take cleaning the litter box.  How do we fully live in the moments we are doing this not-so-glamorous or sacred task?  These are the thoughts that i struggle with each day.  And i know there is a way but it needs some thought and a dive-in kind of immersion to pull off.  But here it is (thoughts for digging deep during an unpleasant activity - cleaning a cat litter box):  "I am so lucky to share my life with such a sweet being.  My life is enriched by her presence and it is my responsibility to care for her in a compassionate manner.  My efforts here are acts of love, walking-the-talk of what I know to be important in my life.  I am privileged to be able to care for another soul in this way."

I don't mean to sound like this is easy or simple.  I realize it requires a shift in thought and I know that I am not always capable of this.  Is there something you need to do in everyday life that you can apply this to?  Let's all try it at least once a day in an effort to utilize this time to really connect to our experience here.  Together we can dig deep, using all we are to remain present and truly live our lives, each and every moment.

Like a Snowflake (in July)

Begin doing what you want to do now. We are not living in eternity. We have only this moment, sparkling like a star in our hand – and melting like a snowflake…
                                       ~ Francis Bacon

I saw this quote on iHanna's blog earlier this week and it seemed to be the perfect sentiment for my new venture, this blog.  I am wanting to slow down this crazy life, to savor each moment, to really make each day count.  I hope you will join me.


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