Being a child of the universe and needing a broader perspective, I walked to the beach and laid down on the sand. I listened to the waves and the gulls and looked up at the sky.
I noticed my breathing was shallow so I followed my breath all the way down to my belly and back.
I felt the weight I was carrying on my shoulders. They felt as though they had been beaten down.
I allowed the heaviness to sink my shoulders deeper into the sand.
My body was grateful for the support.
I wondered if my mind might follow my body and release the heaviness of my thoughts.
These feel to be the heavier weight. And where would I put them if I were to let them go?
I must be careful not to just close the door on them.
I know what happens when you try to do that.
You end up pushing against the door with all your might while they push back.
A course correction, that's what I need. Simply being here. Now.
Allowing the thoughts to flow on by like clouds in the sky.
So this becomes my practice. Lying down on the sand. And maybe, just maybe, I can keep it going.
When I get up and walk, When I talk to people, When I read the news, When I come to understand the danger we are in and the hellish direction we are heading.
We are caught in a time where we can't rely on past expectations, a time where it seems impossible to envision what comes next.
We must trust in our capacity to respond and meet the moment, knowing that if one falters there are others who will step in.
We can be like the birds who return in the spring, flying in formation, with one bird in the lead.
When the one leading gets tired, another moves up to take its place.
