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Sitting in the morning, my mind floods with thought. I cant even begin to tell you the amount of plans, ideas, and memories that flit in and out of my inner dialogue. I probably don’t need to tell you because I know you all do the same exact thing. Okay, but here I am, doing my morning meditation. I know so many ways to be mindful and meditate I almost feel annoyed for lacking perfection, then remember that is not the point, and not the goal. In fact the best practitioners say the highest form of wisdom is knowing you have more to learn. Okay, so letting go of perfecting things is definitely a big theme in mindfulness and one many people struggle with.
We are taught to seek perfection, idealism and ultimate satisfaction and success. Really from day one, we are applauded and encouraged when doing “right” and discouraged and reprimanded for doing “wrong” Now, here we are, all grown up. We are learning to be mindful. All we knew, is thrown away. There is no right and wrong, but if anything is wrong, what is wrong is the labeling of ”right” and “wrong.” There is no perfection, however seeking perfection is an imperfect way to live. It can be so confusing, we have to just laugh about it.
We do have a choice. We can stop analyzing, trying to figure it all out and just allow the natural rhythms, energies and events to unfold around you naturally. You get the ultimate gift of needing to do nothing more than allowing yourself to ride leisurely on the waves of life. Are you happy? Smile big, its okay! Are you sad? Let those tears flow, still okay.
So, back to the morning meditation. After a lot of practicing, maybe 20 minutes, I am lucky that the children have not waken up yet because I finally hit the “zone,” the split second when you shift from all the muck I just described to a mind-full of peace. I feel alive. I feel calm. I’m not trying to, it just arrives. I see the breeze play over the grass and it seems picturesque as if filmed by Hollywood’s top cinematographer, but there it is, in my own eyes, in my own front yard and I am aware enough to SEE it. It fills me with appreciation for the beauty of nature. The same thing happens when my eyes fall on the sun rising, the twisting tree branches now bare of leaves.
The best part is yet to come. Because as much as it is enjoyable to feel this sense of appreciation and joy within nature, 8 o’ clock looms and real life, a full day and a lot of work is before me. But since I practice mindfulness, this mindset can serve me throughout the day. The deep sense of joy and appreciation reaches me in the tough moments making them more peaceful. My personal feelings are more peaceful as are my actions and those around me respond with like energy. My perspective is clear and positive so that bad things can be okay, okay things can be good and good things become some of the best moments, not slipped by and unnoticed. My work is clearer, sharper and I can give more to those around me. This is what mindfulness is all about. I thank myself for taking the time to practice.
