Weekend Meditation

Image supplied by WMS

We are constantly surrounded by sound. Traffic, radios, cell phones, babies crying, children needing something, spouses, friends, co-workers, people on the street, cash registers beeping... Sometimes I wonder how on earth we are expected to hear ourselves think. Particularly if you are the caretaker in your family (even if you are single or have no children or pets- you are still the caretaker of your family unit).

There is a Full Moon this weekend. It is called the Grain Moon or the Corn Moon. It is the first Full Moon of traditional (see "ye olde") harvest season and it is special. Not only because it is usually big and coppery in color, but also because it is looked upon as a mini-Thanksgivingy celebratory moon. A time of great harvest (think of all the fresh produce bursting forth this time of year) and greater gratitude.

So often we forget to be thankful for the bounties around us. Just like with the noises that surround us constantly; we can become immune to the simple, singular beauty of looking outward with reverence and gratitude. I think it's a wonderful practice to grow your gratitude much like your muscles and your imagination, by working it out every single day.

Please try to take some time to quiet your mind this weekend. Sit outside and try to see the Corn Moon or make out constellations. Bring home some sunflowers and use them as a reminder to take a moment whenever you can. Breathe deeply and listen to crickets or a thunderstorm from your window. If you live in a loud city, try an app like White Noise and choose a nature sound that speaks to you. Close your eyes and allow your mind to settle down quietly into itself. You may have to shoo out anxious thoughts or that voice inside that says you don't have time for this. 

You do have time for this. In fact, you need this.

Be still with yourself. Let the sounds of this season speak to you. Maybe you can identify insect and bird calls you didn't recognize by imitating them in your mind and looking them up later. It beats refreshing FaceTube for the one billionth time and you learn about the immediate world around you. Your ecosystem. It's a beautiful thing.

While you're at it, send some thanks out to the world. However you do it, do it. Sing a song, say a prayer, light a candle, spread your hands out into the sky and smile, hug someone or something- even yourself. It all works. It all goes to the same place, and hopefully- you'll find a sweet spot to nestle into within yourself while being present in your current environment. 

Try it- it totally works and it is but the work of a moment that can change every thing.

I hope you have a truly wonderful day and weekend!