I’ve been riding (literally and figuratively) a series of ups and downs lately. Everything is as it has been which is good, if not GREAT. A couple weeks ago I set out to tackle the section of MABDR where I broke my collarbone last October. As luck would have it motorcycle gremlins would rob me of a good portion of my trip – which was actually a good thing. My trip was delayed by 4 days while I waited for parts to get back out on the road. Normally that would have put me in a big funk – however – this just meant more downtime/quality time/get-things-done time. It turned out to be a vacation from my vacation – found time – literally.
I mowed the lawn, cleaned the house, ran to the dump, splashed the boat. Imbibed in goodness and love and laughed more over one weekend than a person should. A blessing to be sure!
Now – about intention and living intentionally.
I have been listening to different music for me lately.
This song in particular:
I’ve been listening to this almost every morning as I walk the dog early in the morning with birds chirping and the morning light.
The lyrics speak to me:
Follow, follow the sun
And which way the wind blows
When this day is done
Breath, breath in the air
Set your intentions
Dream with care
Tomorrow is a new day for everyone
A brand new moon, brand new sun
So follow, follow the sun
The direction of the birds
The direction of love
Breath, breath in the air
Cherish this moment
Cherish this breath
Tomorrow is a new day for everyone
Brand new moon, brand new sun
The idea or notion that the sun rises and we are given the day to enjoy or endure (that decision/description/distinction is ours to decide) and we will breathe in and breathe out – regardless the sun will cross the sky until nightfall and the cycle happens again. We have control of our breathing, we have control of our minds and we can be focused on the moment as it is happening. Practicing this intention has been transformative. I have found that my penchant to give things labels and stack them neatly in a box is waning. As I give myself to the happenings of the day and evaluate things in the moment rather than worry about what may be to come, I am happier.
Recently I read a quote from a Jewish Rabbi (I wish I had grabbed the full quote!) that goes like this: ‘The biggest waste of energy is to obsess about an answer to a question that hasn’t been asked.”
As someone who’s prone to rumination about what could have been, what was, what might be – this is transformative. By taking things as they come day to day I have found myself better able to breathe. I sleep better, I worry less. I sing – badly and often and the joy I feel is palpable.
There is love all around me, there is love all around all of us – if we are open to receive it and intentional about returning – that love and that energy can sustain us.
‘Screen time’ i.e.: time in my helmet, away from the world and digital connections was restorative to my soul. Being present and open to what comes into our lives, people, opportunity, chaos – whatever – being present and intentional about that presence has changed my life for the better.
With that I’ll remind you to be someone’s rock, their port in the storm, be kind to yourself and share that kindness with others.
Love will prevail, goodness will find you. Keep walking the path until the two intersect and there you will find contentment and joy.
Stay Salty my friends!