If this was summertime
I’d probably be writing about digging in the garden,
culling through the worms and pebbles,
but that’s for another time.
I’ve been shredding paper for days,
cleaning out old files,
some from twenty years ago or more.
I was afraid I might need them sometime . . .
apparently not.
Six large trash bags
went to the dump on Saturday,
and there are two more
ready to go.
Slivers of paper, staples, and paper clips scattered on the floor
remain to be swept up . . .
so involved in the process was I
that the hum of the shredder
became a song in my head . . .
smooth when two pieces of paper went through,
and progressively more strained
as more paper was added.
Then there was the high pitched,
constant whine of protest
when I jammed up the system,
and the music stopped
when I turned off the machine to find the problem.
I looked down into the holes intently,
seeking out which ones were plugged,
and then I’d tease out the paper when I could,
in long strings of accordion-rippled paper,
crushed neatly
as they playfully tried to make their way through the blades.
Some were so tightly stuck
that I had to put a skewer through either side,
loosening up the little wads
until I could extract them with tweezers.
It was a joy
to watch the mounds of paper pile up
shivering about the floor
as the cats searched for prey among the mess,
eyes bright with the hunt.
As I filled the last bag
I felt like I had been on a journey
into another world,
and was returning to ‘everyday’ life.
That was my most intense experience of presence
today.
It is all sacred. ♥
Oh, that must have felt good. I recall doing all that work for someone who passed away before she had a chance to do it. Decades of paper. It was more sad and arduous than satisfying. I think it is a task that is much more satisfying when you do it yourself.
Unplugging the paper shredder, sounds like a smaller version of unplugging the hay mower/windrower. My mind has wandered to early summer, dear Sparrow.
To help me feel more present and alive, I can take some time to sit outside in nature and focus on where I am and all that my senses can take in. I can also focus on my breath.
Happy and present Monday to all.
A walk in the big forested park near my house at lunchtime, with attention to the natural world rather than a podcast, would make me feel more present and alive. The weather forecast looks good and the sun is already shining on the tall evergreens at the end of our street. On a walk yesterday I looked at the buds breaking out on tree limbs, heard so many birds calling, felt the sun’s warmth.
I hope that your hike or bike ride
helped,
dear Charlie . . .
I admired the outdoors today
from inside,
as it is bitter, bitter cold.
I hope you enjoyed it for me. ♥
I’ve been in a bit of a funk myself, Charlie. Before visiting my Mom today, I have the opportunity to go for a walk. A walk sounds really good right now. ☀️😊
I’m visiting old friends, one because of her funeral, others in a care center. All dear spiritual Elders of mine from years ago. I made the time for this 3 day excursion a week ago. What a Blessed Gift it all is. Monday Peace to you🫶🏽☮️
Time is such a precious commodity. There is only so much and no matter what I do I can’t make more. But what I can do is see the beauty in those moments. I get to……..
It’s a rough morning for us all. Our world is on fire but dwelling on what I can’t change will not help. I will do my best to be overtly mindful today and focus on being kind to myself and others in my little corner of the world. The serenity prayer comes to mind.
“God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change> Courage to change the things I can> And wisdom to know the difference.”
My sister, Donna, once said that when she is present, folding clean dish towels can be a sacred experience. In relationship to today’s question, my desire wouldn’t be to make time for something that would make me feel more present and alive, rather be present to everything in my day so that I feel more alive. It really is like magic.💫🩷
I love today’s question. It has helped me turn back to the activities that I enjoy, that make me feel connected, present, and alive. I think today I’m going to sing some karaoke, my favorite songs. It’s another way for me to communicate my thoughts, compassion, and empathy to myself and to others.
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Just being present 💝.
If this was summertime
I’d probably be writing about digging in the garden,
culling through the worms and pebbles,
but that’s for another time.
I’ve been shredding paper for days,
cleaning out old files,
some from twenty years ago or more.
I was afraid I might need them sometime . . .
apparently not.
Six large trash bags
went to the dump on Saturday,
and there are two more
ready to go.
Slivers of paper, staples, and paper clips scattered on the floor
remain to be swept up . . .
so involved in the process was I
that the hum of the shredder
became a song in my head . . .
smooth when two pieces of paper went through,
and progressively more strained
as more paper was added.
Then there was the high pitched,
constant whine of protest
when I jammed up the system,
and the music stopped
when I turned off the machine to find the problem.
I looked down into the holes intently,
seeking out which ones were plugged,
and then I’d tease out the paper when I could,
in long strings of accordion-rippled paper,
crushed neatly
as they playfully tried to make their way through the blades.
Some were so tightly stuck
that I had to put a skewer through either side,
loosening up the little wads
until I could extract them with tweezers.
It was a joy
to watch the mounds of paper pile up
shivering about the floor
as the cats searched for prey among the mess,
eyes bright with the hunt.
As I filled the last bag
I felt like I had been on a journey
into another world,
and was returning to ‘everyday’ life.
That was my most intense experience of presence
today.
It is all sacred. ♥
Oh, that must have felt good. I recall doing all that work for someone who passed away before she had a chance to do it. Decades of paper. It was more sad and arduous than satisfying. I think it is a task that is much more satisfying when you do it yourself.
It was very, very satisfying for me,
dear Drea . . .
I felt 50 pounds lighter. ♥
Amen, Sparrow.🩷
What a relief! ♥
I bet you feel lighter. I need to do the same!💕
I do,
dear Mary. ♥
Unplugging the paper shredder, sounds like a smaller version of unplugging the hay mower/windrower. My mind has wandered to early summer, dear Sparrow.
Exactly,
dear Joseph,
or as my husband would say,
like trying to get a tangled, mangled electric cord
snaked out of the snow blower blades. 🙂
Get outside & walk.
Bathe in the beauty of Mother Nature & breathe deep. Give thanks for all. 🙏🏻
Happy March….🌷
🕊️🩷
To help me feel more present and alive, I can take some time to sit outside in nature and focus on where I am and all that my senses can take in. I can also focus on my breath.
Happy and present Monday to all.
Wishing you a happy and present day also, dear Mary.
Breathe and observing breath might help to be present. Wishing all a good day in presence and loving kindness.
Loving kindness to you, Ose.
A walk in the big forested park near my house at lunchtime, with attention to the natural world rather than a podcast, would make me feel more present and alive. The weather forecast looks good and the sun is already shining on the tall evergreens at the end of our street. On a walk yesterday I looked at the buds breaking out on tree limbs, heard so many birds calling, felt the sun’s warmth.
It is coming, Narb.🩷
Barb, it’s warming up in the Twin Cities early this year. A lot of 40s and 50s, especially the ladder, in the forecast over the next week.
I could make time for outdoor exercise. Either a short hike or bike ride. This might help with my present funk.
I hope that your hike or bike ride
helped,
dear Charlie . . .
I admired the outdoors today
from inside,
as it is bitter, bitter cold.
I hope you enjoyed it for me. ♥
I’ve been in a bit of a funk myself, Charlie. Before visiting my Mom today, I have the opportunity to go for a walk. A walk sounds really good right now. ☀️😊
I’m visiting old friends, one because of her funeral, others in a care center. All dear spiritual Elders of mine from years ago. I made the time for this 3 day excursion a week ago. What a Blessed Gift it all is. Monday Peace to you🫶🏽☮️
Thank you for the reminder, Carla. It is all gift. ♥️
I just made time for a Yin Yoga class. Im so glad I did! I needed that more than I realized!
Time is such a precious commodity. There is only so much and no matter what I do I can’t make more. But what I can do is see the beauty in those moments. I get to……..
Take breaks when I notice myself spinning out or spacing out.
What Mary Mantei said…
It’s a rough morning for us all. Our world is on fire but dwelling on what I can’t change will not help. I will do my best to be overtly mindful today and focus on being kind to myself and others in my little corner of the world. The serenity prayer comes to mind.
“God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change> Courage to change the things I can> And wisdom to know the difference.”
My sister, Donna, once said that when she is present, folding clean dish towels can be a sacred experience. In relationship to today’s question, my desire wouldn’t be to make time for something that would make me feel more present and alive, rather be present to everything in my day so that I feel more alive. It really is like magic.💫🩷
It is a sacred Practice,
dear Mary,
and very calming too.
I love folding towels,
especially when they are still warm. ♥
🥰
I love this idea!
I love today’s question. It has helped me turn back to the activities that I enjoy, that make me feel connected, present, and alive. I think today I’m going to sing some karaoke, my favorite songs. It’s another way for me to communicate my thoughts, compassion, and empathy to myself and to others.
My Ngoc, I love your natural sweet voice.