Soaking in the sky
During the COVID lockdown, several of my gym clients asked that I train them at their homes. One of them, Chris, enjoys the convenience of home workouts so much that he canceled his membership. We exercise in his backyard which is filled with lush plant life, flowers, and mature trees, making it an easy place to spend time.
Recently, while resting on his mat between exercises, Chris gazed up at the clouds, noting their unique shapes and the lazy pace at which the breeze carried them. He said, “Before we started doing our sessions here, I never took time to notice things like the clouds. It feels good to lie here and soak in the sky.” Looking up, I joined Chris in the moment of stillness to appreciate the clouds and the cool weather and to simply be.
Chris’ observation was yet another reminder of the importance of pressing pause and trading our busyness and task fulfillment for a few moments of mindful observation and gratitude.
I’ve pledged to make this a daily practice in the past, and I’ll admit to missing some days. Fortunately, it’s about progress, not perfection, so I re-pledge to pause each day for deep and restorative breaths and feel gratitude for my many blessings, including time to look up and soak in the sky.
Are you skilled at stepping out of your hustle and bustle and making time for calm? I’d love to hear how you do that, and if this is something you’d like to start, join me in my pledge.
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Slipstream
I enjoy working in my yard, but I can get so focused on doing the work, I forget to look at the beauty of the sky, trees, and plant life, so, I, too, will re-pledge to soak in the beauty of nature around me and not take it for granted. Thanks for the reminder.
Present Valley
Great idea!
I have turned my morning walks into prayer walks most days now without earbuds in listening to podcasts.
Acknowledging with prayers of gratitude the beauty...flowers, green grass, lovely homes and blossoming trees I pass. The sounds around me...my feet striking the concrete (which I didn't notice while engrossed in the podcast), birdsong, bees buzzing, airplanes, dogs barking, neighbors greeting me, people laughing, lawn mowers and cars.
I pledge to add looking up at the sky and noticing the clouds.
Thank you for the reminder to take that pause and simply breathe.
Wilsons Grave
Nature mothers us, brings forth the once innocent child in us, makes us wonder, energizes us, makes us happier, connects us to everything, allows us to see the beauty in life, allows us too breathe in the miracle of life, reminds us that everything is possible, reveals to us that love hides even under a rock.
If we all made use of nature as our ancestors did, if we allowed it to be our guide and companion, our bestie, we'd be a whole lot better off, saner, more appreciative of what we have instead of always expecting more and blaming others for our lack. The absence of nature is the absence of soul. Few realize how much more we thrive in the unseen energies emitted by flowers, bees, trees, the soil itself. Sitting under a tree, contemplating the gifts of God and our blessings will do much more for anyone that sweating indoors on a treadmill. So your pledge is spot on. I'll egg you on and join in this pledge. Good reminder for us all.