It was early Saturday morning when I decided to shower outside. Last week’s heat finally said goodbye and as I stepped outside I noticed the birds were back in full force. Goldfinches feasted on sunflower hearts. Baltimore Orioles pinched orange. Blue jays squawked in the distance, waiting for a seat at the table.
As I stood in the cold water, I remembered an email I had received the day before and began to formulate a response. Then, as I started to wash my hair, my mind wandered to a car meeting that had to be rescheduled, so I made a note to send a text after I showered. As soon as I realized I was replaying a frustrating conversation with someone a week ago, I caught myself.
CherylI said out loud come back There are too many people in this shower with you!
I laughed as I focused on the moment. I felt the warm water on my skin, heard the blackbirds calling each other for breakfast, and looked up just in time to catch an intricate spider web swaying in the breeze overhead. That’s the beauty you miss when you’re goneI reminded myself.
We live our everyday lives with non-stop internal noise. Think about it. Who is she with? you in the shower, when you’re folding laundry, or while you’re walking the dog? Who is with you now as you read these words? The mind is an inexorable companion, and its chatter constantly pulls us away from the place that brings us to life.
Fortunately, we have plenty of opportunities throughout the day to practice homecoming. The next time you go to the store, wait for coffee, brush your teeth or cook dinner, notice if you are not fully present and call yourself back with love. Say it out loud: Come home honey. Then feel the sensations in your body. Name three things you see right in front of you. Listen to the sounds around you. Let your senses bring you back to life.
Then be sure to smile at your success. Because the moment you realize you’re not where you are, you return to where you were meant to be.
Love,
Cheryl
