We are lucky to be human, to be aware, to have minds. But the complexity of our minds is another matter entirely. This being human is a challenge.
I went to bed Sunday night with no blog topic. But I did write “Blog?” on my Monday to-do list. Some time in the early morning hours two or three idea strands came together. (Wonders of the sleeping mind.)
One strand came from Sunday’s sermon on addiction. I can honestly say (I had it from my therapist years ago) that I’m not an addictive personality. I’m more inclined to give things up than abuse them.
But one thing I’ve never given up—call it addiction?—is escaping into stories. I’m addicted to experiencing other lives. The up-side is that reading is one way to learn empathy.
Was I born addicted to story? For sure, I’ve been this way ever since discovering the magic contained in reading about Dick and Jane and their dog Spot.
A second strand came from matters awaiting my attention—waiting months, years!— for my attention. And thinking, I should attend to this now rather than letting it slide. (But usually the thought slips away again.)
The third strand is related to the second: Rev. Bob suggested three spiritual practices, the first of which was Mindfulness.
mindfulness
There is a magic to mindfulness. Years ago, in a meditation group, I was introduced to the concept. I experimented one Saturday morning with doing everything mindfully. During the morning’s chores, I obeyed a mental nudge to attend the monthly Southwest Writers’ meeting.
The first persons I ran into had been fellow members of a writing class. On the spot, I agreed with their idea of continuing as a monthly group. We met for several enjoyable years.
Sophie has no difficulties with being mindful. She’s always attuned to the present, whatever is happening. Lucky dog!
And BTW, our walks using Sophie’s sling seem to be therapeutic for her knees. We will keep at it, mindfully, of course.
My intention is to affirm Mindfulness on rising every morning.
Already changes are happening. Stay tuned.
Kate Harrington 