Letting go; moment by moment

In the winter, I grow wheatgrass for the cats to munch on, but this pot was grown as a gift for my brother’s cat. Eleanor had other ideas.

I woke up at 4:30 this morning, and it seemed like the command, “Let go!” was being spoken right into my head. I wasn’t sure what I was supposed to let go of, but even saying the words, let go, felt calming, so this is going to be my affirmation for today….and maybe for this entire holiday time.

There has been a lot of talk about the significance of today. It is officially the last day of the Mayan calendar which began in 3114 B.C. E. and ends (5,126 years later) this very day! Whether you feel this date is significant or not, it seems like the perfect day to let go of some old pattern, belief, or mind-set that you have been holding onto. I intend to let go of the idea that I there is something wrong with this moment.

I invite you today to share something that you would like to let go of.

“If you surrender completely to the moments as they pass, you live more richly those moments.” Anne Morrow Lindbergh

 

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Open heart, our true home

Noah eating cheese popcorn with Fred watching

For most of my adult life, I’ve craved the feeling of being “home”, but never really defined what that meant to me until the last few months. As I’ve tried to articulate the feelings that best describe “home”, acceptance, relaxation, warmth, beauty, comfort, security, happiness, calm and welcome are the words that came to mind…all states of mind, and all states of being that line-up with my True self. I can’t move to this place, I have to become it. We’re here such a short time. Let’s live with our hearts open, ready to embrace the Life that is ours right now.

“Pull up the shades…I don’t want to go home in the dark.” O.Henry’s last words

Over the weekend, why not try repeating the affirmation, “I am open to Life!” …and be ready to be surprised by what comes your way.

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Savoring every moment

Tommy and me (31 years ago… living in graduate student housing and getting ready for Matt to be born)

My oldest son Tom recently became engaged, and as I look at the wonderful new photographs, I’ve also felt drawn to look at old photographs, and to remind myself to savor every moment, slow down and be present. 31 years ago, Tom was 3 years old and I was 25. I can remember the day that photograph was taken as we stood on the steps of our little rented apartment.

Tommy’s dad and I were talking about life with a new baby: wondering how things would change with two little kids, if we were going to have a boy or a girl, how Tommy would react to the new baby, deciding which nursery school to send Tommy to in the fall. These were some of the questions that we had back then, and it seemed like we were always in a rush to get them answered, so we could move on to the next thing.

Today we are talking about Tom and Lindsay’s wedding. There are questions that are, in the moment, unanswered. One of the biggest illusions (in life) is that we will somehow get all of our ducks lined up, all of our questions answered, so we can sit back and relax, but this isn’t life. There will always be questions, decisions and future events to be considered, so we are going to relax now: in the planning, in the questions, in the delightful uncertainty that is Life.

We are still planning: planning on savoring every moment of this magical time!

Tom and Lindsay on the day of their engagement, August 15th  

“Today is life: the only life you are sure of. Make the most of today. Shake yourself awake. Let the winds of enthusiasm sweep through you. Dale Carnegie

The website of their friend, and amazing photographer who took these photos, Derek DiLuzio, is:  http://derekdiluzio.com

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Today

Esther woke up when I started the car

Now that the weather is suddenly warmer, and I am leaving my car windows down, I have to check the back seat before I drive away from the house. Esther loves sleeping in cars. I am sure she isn’t staying awake at night thinking, “Oh no, what if they don’t realize that I am in here and drive away?!” or “I’m not sure that I have permission to be in this car. Will I get in trouble?’…no such worries. She finds a comfortable spot and sleeps in peace. She, like most of our animals, is in the moment. Ahhh… the idea of living without regret from the past or fear about the future. I am taking a deep breath right now.

“Nothing is worth more than this day“.  Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

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