Don't Forget to Breathe...

You know, sometimes it amazes me just how often we fail to really appreciate the incredible beauty of the world around us.

The view from my porch today.

 When was the last time YOU looked up at the sky, just to see what was up there?  When did you last pause to just take in a breath to see what scent was floating on the wind?  When have you taken a moment to just stop and listen to see what sounds were playing across the air?  Are you the kind of person who is too busy keeping up to look up, or too ornery about hay fever to think about the scents of the flowers, or too overwhelmed to care about the way the wind sings through the leaves of trees? 

If you must look down, appreciate your solid foundation.



Now, before you start picturing me as some semblance of "Luna Lovegood", skipping around apparently oblivious to the obvious (who by the way was one of my favorite characters in that one series a few people made a bit of a fuss about, partially because of that image that kept a very bright, very aware, and very capable young heroine hidden behind all that fluff), let me make note that I'm not all tree-hugger and tofu-addict.  However, I do think that there is a very valid reason so many people are burning out over things that, when they finally finish the combustion and feel like nothing but ash, they might realize aren't as life-or-death as they once thought.

Looking east, *away* from a sunset after a storm last fall.

Why do so many of us fail to realize how powerful the healing that can come from allowing ourselves to "just be" for a bit?  Why do we find ourselves understanding someone when they say, "My worst time of day is just falling asleep and just waking up"?  Why are the moments of calm, when we have nothing to face but our own selves, such a thing to be avoided? Why does one find oneself crumbling when the soul's mirror is turned at them in moments of quiet meditation?  

Tonight's view at dusk.

 
I'm a big proponent of taking time for oneself.  Not to be confused with being egocentric and unwilling to take responsibility for one's life, I refer to making sure that one takes time to refocus, regain perspective, and find that quiet strength that only comes from one's core.  Even just an hour a week, an opportunity to do something that allows one's personal reservoir to be refilled and strength and energy regained.  "One cannot give from an empty pail" is one of those annoying clichés that are clichéd for a reason.  

Ever try to live in metaphor?

Unfortunately too many seem to think that allowing even one hour for oneself is inexcusable.  I can only, in response, cite the several examples within my own, personal experience of those who either were not allowed, or refused opportunities for such restoration, and the consequences they discovered upon burnout.

Catch a breathless moment going anywhere... don't worry, I wasn't the driver.

So there's this groovy, little catchphrase goin' 'round called "mindfulness" and it's taking the burned-outs by storm!  It's also apparently very good for treating chronic pain, anxiety, depression and other issues.  Actually I think it's very good for simply making the most out of life and enjoying the ride while you're on it!  The secret behind this fancy word is simply this: mindfulness is, well, being mindful. 

Weeds, or a corner of Eden?

Yup.  That's it.  Being mindful is the secret behind mindfulness.  Aren't you glad you kept reading?  Yeah well, what does that mean?!  Being mindful is being "in the now", fully "present", completely aware of as much as possible inside and out.  Being willing to accept what is, and allow it to exist without overtaking you.

Take a moment...

Feel your body.

Feel your toes.  Feet still attached?

Legs in a comfortable position?

Back feel relaxed? Tense? 

Shoulders tight?  Arms and hands still in place?

Head still where it should be?

How's the temperature?  Anything on too tight or causing pain?

~Breathe~ 

How does the air feel going in and out of your lungs?
How's your heart rate?

Do you feel anxious? Tired? Ill? 

Think outside of your body now...

Where are you?

How is the light?  What color is it?  How does it appear on different things?

What do you hear?  Anything running in the background?

Did you know, or have you noticed, depending on the time of day, and the weather, things appear different colors?  Even grass and concrete can "change colors" based on the quality of light they are reflecting.

Did you know, or have you noticed, the sounds of an area will change depending on the time of day, weather, and what else is going on around?  Insects, animals, wind sounds... nothing is really ever *quite* the same at any given time, as at any other.

Did you know, or have you noticed, one's moods can be influenced by such things as quality of light, color, background noise, and the attitudes of those around one generally and in any given moment?

Did you know, or have you noticed, that one's level of physical pain and/or wellness can be influenced by one's mood and attitude, as well as that reflected through the influence of those around?  You don't have to be perfectly strong and well to be happy and healthy.

Because every day is full of magic moments.

Okay I'm done for now.  Had to do something with all the pics I keep snatching all over the place.  Actually with the exception of the beach rocks, which were taken a few miles away, these were all taken within 100 feet of my home. How's that for perspective?


Don't forget to breathe.




~ Me