SLOWING DOWN, SAVORING LIFE

My friend and I drive to the coast for two nights at Harris Beach
Slowing down, settling in to a precious day with nothing scheduled
We take  time to savor the sunshine, the brisk breeze, a simple breakfast on our picnic table-fresh cantaloupe, granola, warm tea or coffee, a chance to share meals and be outdoors with a friend.  No bugs, no sizzling heat.
A bunny hops by, eyeing us cautiously.

While Dorothy naps, I read a bit, and enjoy people-gazing: the neighboring camper playing his guitar, enjoying a game of hacky-sack with his sons. An older couple walk by with their 3 month old Chihuahua and a 3 year old Pekingese, not so keen on the youngster dog.
A woman clad in purple jogs by with her backpack, more ambitious than most.
Two exuberant black kids with glistening bodies and wet towels return from their adventures at the beach, likely playing in the cool ocean waters.
Youngsters with parents in tow bicycle by, enjoying this chance to  bike the local trails in this lovely state park, far from the street dangers back home.

That is what vacations are all about.  Taking in new sights, smells, food, breaking from familiar routines to explore in new settings.  We grumble a bit at all the work it takes to get ourselves here, but it is well worth the preparations.
Slowing down, being more present, less distracted by any should do-list, we say yes to life and its beautiful moments, in this special ocean-side setting.  Gratitude makes  everything better!

YOU ALONE CAN CHANGE YOUR THINKING

It is all too easy to fall into negative self-talk

It takes a certain mental discipline to focus on what is working.

On a sultry, hot summer day, what nurtures the creativity in you?

What helps you cool off when it’s too darn hot by midday to even be outside?

How about finding a way to play in water?

A pool, a stream, yes, even the shower or a wet shirt can bring relief.

Fans create an instant breeze, making it easier to focus.

Take action to cool off.  Wallowing in frustration is no help at all!

Look at paintings, or create a collage of images that make you laugh, make you smile.

It takes courage to break old habits

It takes courage to embrace the awkwardness of being human

Accepting our ever-changing moods, needs, desires.

Change your thinking.  See possibility instead of “I can’t do that!”

Be open to surprise.  It is amazing what you can do when resolve replaces self-doubt.

When we choose to free ourselves from old habits and fears, we begin to feel more confident.  We become curious, questioning familiar patterns.  We realize rigid judgments and fixed opinions are old stories that we have the power to change. 

WE ARE DIVINE BEINGS

In our essence, we are all divine beings, full of vibrant love in whom all things we choose to focus on, give our full attention, shall in time, manifest.
     When we choose to feel lucky, healthy, strong, articulate, connected, joyful, capable of attracting what we want, we are living in the faith that we are divine beings, and our actions reflect the generosity, the warmth, the compassion and the openness of the God-spirit that dwells within each one of us.
      Whenever a fearful, sad, or discouraging thought enters our heads, we can choose to stop, push delete, and refocus our attention on  healthier choices.
We can play the "what if" game to our advantage, and allow ourselves to feel better by imagining what we want is already unfolding.  If we face an obstacle, we can recall memories where we've overcome or circumnavigated obstacles in our past.  We can imagine, "what if every cell in my body is capable of wondrous healing, of removing toxic material or thoughts?"  What if I am part of a Divine plan to collaborate with other caring, open-minded folks to bring more light, more wisdom into this world, helping restore and preserve this precious planet?
       What if this isn't just the dangerous world we see portrayed so frequently on the news, but an ever-changing world that is meant to support a more sustainable, harmonious,  and peaceful environment for all creatures?  What if life is an adventure, with challenges, yes, and we do have support if we choose to be open to receiving  it in whatever forms it shows up?
      You are divine, part of the mystery we call God or Great Spirit.  I am part of this marvelous force, too.  We are part of this wheel of life, and with meditation, attention, faith, and collaboration, we are giving birth to a new world ordered not by the dictates of harsh rules and governing institutions out of touch with our basic needs, but by a growing consciousness that is unfolding across this planet.  It is an awareness that we are the peacemakers, the shape-shifters learning to create a viable, just, and amazing new world, governed by love that flows from our core, dispelling hate, doubt, fear, ignorance as it floods this land like the morning sun returning lightness to each new day.  May you be happy.  May you be at peace. May we all be open to celebrating the new life, new freedom, new possibilities we are helping to create.  Blessings to all creatures, large and small!
   July 4, 2012