IN THE FLOW
By Joan Goldstein
After the BIG snowfall, as I was clumping along the snow-covered
sidewalk, trying to follow the path carved out by someone in LL
Bean shoes - they leave a very distinct footprint - I paused to
look around and admire the stark whiteness. The brownstones with
their little front gardens were reminiscent of a different era.
Even though it was hard to maneuver, as I took in the scenery, I
became more and more filled with awe at the great beauty of it all.
It was then that I noticed that one tree had big buds on it. this
was indeed a miracle. In the middle of all the snow and the city’s
emergency measures, the trees were very quietly and calmly continuing
to go through their life cycle so that they would bloom at just
the right time.
Just glimpsing the majesty of these buds in the midst of my own
struggle to merely remain erect brought tremendous joy to my heart
and reminded me to slow down. I realized that when I stay in touch
with nature, I connect to my own inner nature and feel blissful.
Of course, I have to constantly remind myself to do this, but the
payoff is great. It puts everything in the proper perspective and
keeps me on the right track.
So, as Spring is about to burst upon us with the miracle of rebirth,
take a moment to catch it in the process. Focus on the trees as
they get ready to don their Spring foliage, and the flower gardens
as hints of green begin to emerge. Notice the brave little shoots
pushing through the barely thawing earth and rejoice at nature’s
gifts to us. In that rejoicing, experience your own blossoming;
your own joy. As this happens, pause for a moment and breathe it
in. Let the experience fill you. As you continue to walk, focus
on this feeling inside and let it expand. If thoughts arise, find
something else in nature to focus on, and let its vibrance fill
you. Remember, no matter how still a tree or vine may appear to
be, inside it’s pulsating with vitality that will soon become
manifest. Inside us, there’s the same vitality, so let it
unfold. The more we take the time to connect with this life force
on the outside, the more it evolves on the inside, renewing and
refreshing us throughout our own cycles.
As for the snow, should we get blanketed w ith another snowfall
before Spring settles in, take the time to experience the majesty
of its purity and stillness, and try to bring some of that stillness
into your own being.
| PRACTICE: To
practice letting go, sit in a quiet place with your eyes
closed and take three long, even breaths; inhaling and
exhaling very slowly. With each in-breath, feel yourself
becoming very strong. With each outbreath, breathe your
negative thought patterns away. Repeat to yourself, “I
no longer want to hide behind this habitual thought (name
the thought). I’m letting go.” Repeat this
three times, then focusing on the breath as it flows in
and out naturally, on each in breath repeat silently to
yourself, “Breathing in I feel strong,” with
each out breath, repeat silently to yourself, ‘Breathing
out, I let go.” Spend 5 to 10 minutes repeating
this exercise three times a day and say “yes”
to fuller living. PS: You can also practice repeating
these phrases while walking, driving, doing chores that
don’t require mental focus. |
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