I AM

In setting my intention today I started with the words “I am…”

I waited for something else to follow but nothing else came so I concluded that my intention for the day was simply to be. Not to be this or that, but just to be.

The day progressed and I accomplished about one half of the tasks on my to do list. I told myself it was ok since my intention for the day was to be (not to do).

In the evening I went to the Chelsea Wellness Center where I opted for the warm pool rather than the exercise bike or the treadmill --- or the cold pool! Whenever I am in the warm pool I face the deep end so I can look out at the trees and I usually repeat an affirmation as I do my exercises.

Today rather than affirming I am this or that, I decided to just repeat the words “I am.” This had a calming affect and I ended up focusing on one tree in particular that seemed to represent my intention/affirmation for the day. It was the tallest tree I could see with the darkest and largest trunk. Silent, still and strong.

When I was done exercising I felt more grounded and connected to these qualities in myself. I am so grateful to be back in Michigan where I am always surrounded by trees.

Affirmation: I revel in my beingness.

Blanket

Today is the first day I have used a blanket to help me sit for meditation. Now that I have tried it, I don’t know why I didn’t do it before. What’s the big deal?

I remember in yoga classes the instructor would talk about using a blanket to help people prop themselves up. It was usually said as “some people may need this.” Some students needed blocks, others needed belts, and then there were those who needed blankets.

It wasn’t until last week when I was in a yoga class at the Chelsea Wellness Center (great place by the way), that the instructor was one of the “some people” who needed a blanket to sit up straight. I liked this. It made me feel better. Then I forgot all about it until this morning when I was searching for a place to do my meditation. The sliding door was open. It was raining outside and the birds were active. The raindrops on the deck and outdoor furniture sounded so beautiful, I wanted to sit by the door so I could hear everything better. I looked for something to sit on and then I saw the blanket. This blue blanket has been resting on the edge of the couch the entire time we have been house sitting. I wasn’t even sure why it was there since it doesn’t really match anything in the living room. But there it was. Calling to me. I picked it up and sat down. It was perfect. My spine was straight and my ears were tingling with all the wonderful sounds around me.

I admit that my meditation posture has been rather lazy in the past. Certainly less than ideal and in fact, I have sat in ways that many instructors would tell students not to sit. But today it was textbook.

I laugh at myself for taking so long to admit that I need a blanket. I give myself credit for not "beating myself up" about the less than perfect posture in the past. I smile and give thanks that the blanket was there all the time.