Deep Breath, and Release! Good Morning, Universe!
It is a lovely morning, Dear Creator. Sunshine, and a crispness to the air that wakes me up, and energizes and invites me to explore. I feel Spring is on the verge of bursting forth, and I am ready.
I went for a run yesterday evening, and it was gray, dull, and damp. On the trail, I felt a longing for Spring. The birds are ready; I imagine them coupling up and deciding where to nest. And, I am ready – allergies and all – for the explosion of colors, blooms, and new growth.
Perhaps metaphorical?
I have two topics that have come to the surface this morning. I’m not sure if there’s space and time for both. Of course, the Truth is that there’s always space and time, for All of It. So, I’ll just begin.
Our language, Friend, is a powerful tool. It facilitates our conceptualization and communication. Its process, though, goes directly through our mind; therefore, the words we use are always colored by the beliefs we carry.
Our beliefs become associated and defined by certain words, and some of our words get connected to certain beliefs. We’ve discussed many times how our beliefs can limit us and the way we see the world. So, too, the language we use will invoke those powerful beliefs.
One concern, then, are the beliefs we believe, and the language we use associated with those beliefs. Another consideration, though, is how personal our language is to us. We sometimes assume that the connections and associations we have with the words we use will have the same meanings for the person to whom we are speaking. That can create its own layer of muck.
It has been said, “The mind is a wonderful servant, but a terrible master.” So, too, the language we use. Our language is supposed to be a tool to conceptualize and communicate the thoughts and ideas we have. Too often, though, when we are mindless and on auto-pilot, the language we use controls us – what we think, how we feel, and what we believe.
Which leads into the subject of – paying attention. Now, I brought up the notion of language, because I would ask you to start by just noticing (paying attention) to what the term “paying attention” means to you. I say it in a highly positive way, encouraging notice, awareness, and mindful observation. But, I’ve also been the receiver of the painful, shameful retort, “You need to pay attention!”
How different each of those thoughts feels to me when I hold it. Thankfully, I get to choose which one I hold, and which one I drop.
So – paying attention. Mindful awareness. In meditation, we often start at the breath. Breathe in, breathe out. Just notice the breath in, and notice the breath out. Notice yourself breathing the breath in, and notice yourself breathing the breath out.
You can do the same while walking. Notice your breath for a bit. Then, move your awareness to your foot when you step. Which part of your foot touches the ground first? Feel how each part of your foot contacts the ground, and how your foot feels in your shoe. Try paying attention to each part of each step.
Then, notice your shoulders. Are you carrying any tension there? Can you let it go? Try releasing it with your next exhale.
Oh, that’s right – back to the breath. Notice breathing in, and breathing out.
How’s your posture? Try to imagine your head pulled skyward by a thin, golden line. Feel yourself straight and stretched, pulled long and aligned.
Then, back to each part of your foot meeting the ground in each step.
Your Prompt for today:
Try this walking mindfulness meditation for five minutes. Use the points of focus I described to tune in to your body in motion. When your mind drifts, notice that, too, and then go back to noticing how one foot connects with the ground.
Take the opportunity, as you walk, to tune in to anywhere you feel tension, discomfort, or pain. Focus your attention on it and envision dissolving the knot with light and love, as you breathe through it.
To move through this World, physically and spiritually, is a Blessed Gift! Thank You, Guides!
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