"Here I Am. Yes, It's Me..."
I awoke one morning with these words from a song recorded by Lyle Lovett repeating in my barely conscious mind. I lay still for several moments, as I tend to do, and let the world re-enter my awareness. The light was dim and I heard a bird singing outside my window. My face smiled because I love waking up to birdsong. There it was again: Here I am, yes it's me...
What? I had not listened to that cd in some time. Why so clearly this morning? I remain still and softly close my eyes, letting myself feel. It slowly becomes clear to me. Here I am and everything is different in my world and yet nothing has changed. It is still me, waking up in my same bed, slowly feeling the day begin, listening to a bird sing outside my window, wondering where I went during the night, feeling the anticipation of writing as a new day dawns.
"Here I am, yes it's me..." We are all experiencing changes we have not created as we seek to cooperate in keeping ourselves & others healthy. I am also aware of what remains the same: my precious friends and family are still a phone call away (some are physically closer while others are farther away), mountains still surround me (though the ones where I now live are closer and greener), and I am still me!
This is a bit difficult to communicate but here goes. Living from a level of mindful awareness, being more present in the moment than ever before, this experience/challenge feels quite different physically, mentally, and emotionally. The spirit/soul experience is a constant. Yes, I have been physically tired but I find strength and stamina that surprises me. Yes, my brain throbs with the volume of information being provided but my mind is calmer and clearer than it has been in past experiences. It helps immensely to seriously curtail media time. Yes, my emotions are intense but, at the same time, they have been simple, clear and consistent with what I have come to believe about the human experience in general.
I told one of my mentors, Richard Miller, years ago that an important insight for me concerned my Aquarian nature. Structure and routine are necessary for me to remain grounded and centered. Within that I need the freedom of diversity to allow my True Self to fly high and wide. For example, when I was teaching yoga full time, I created a class schedule that gave my students consistency and me diversity: Tuesdays & Thursdays were the same (2 classes each day), Mondays and Wednesdays were the same (2 classes but different hours than T & Th). Perfect for me: Diversity within structure.
This is what I am feeling this now. Much of my life has changed by necessity and just as much of it remains the same. This brings me peace.
What brings you peace? How can you mindfully create what meets the needs and desires of your True Self? Where do you begin? I would suggest beginning with an exploration of your levels of awareness? Spiritually, are you living in and from your Soul, your True Self? Emotionally, are you finding what balances your emotional body while allowing you to embrace life as it is today? Mentally, what keeps you present and "on top of your game" rather than getting lost in circular thinking or fear? Physically, are you knowledgeable of the type of diet and the level of exercise and rest that supports a strong, healthy body?
Experience tells me that the same thing doesn't work for everyone in any of these areas. Thus, my suggestion of an exploration. Try on what has worked for others but choose what ultimately works best for you.
Are you in tune with the Truth of your Soul? Do you know your True Self? π
Contact me with questions, appointment requests, or whatever is on your mind and heart: [email protected] And consider joining my online meditation groupπ
