The Mindful Act of Being

• May 10, 2017 •

 

I’m at the lake. Alone, technically. But with my thoughts. Not in a crazy, I-talk-to-myself kind of way (although, I’ll admit, I sometimes do); no, just in a conscious way.

We’re so busy all the time. I wonder how many people take the time to do what I did today…

I brought a book with me. Haven’t opened it. I brought some music to listen to. Haven’t listened to it. I’ve just been observing. Being s t i l l . Does anyone take the time to do that anymore? … They should.

I’m listening to the wind. The birds. The cars and boats. The man across the parking lot, coughing. Planes. Leaves skidding across the pavement.

I’m feeling the sun warm my skin and paint my body with its natural, ethereal light. The wind pets my skin, twirls my hair. I notice it all come to life around me.

Crazy what all you’ll miss if you don’t look up.

Sure, anyone can come here and see the beautiful lake, the way the sun reflects off the water. The trees or the mountains.

But what about the shadows the mountains and rolling hills cast over the water…that constant yet wandering reminder of protection and gentle greatness. What about the movement of the water and the grass as they dance to the melodies of the wind. Crescendo…then calm again.

They dance to their music just as we dance to ours. But it really isn’t “them” and “us.”

It’s we.

To feel that connection with our Earth, you must first recognize it. Spend time with our Earth. Listen to all she has to say. She speaks in ways that can only be heard with ears that are open, ears that are conscious and ready to be filled with her language.

Our Earth is dying to talk with us. Literally. She’s so worth it, too. Take a chance on her. Miss the next few hours of Instagram, pause Netflix. You’ll be glad you did. Because our Earth, our Mother – she’s kind. Calm. Understanding. She’s giving. Positive. Honest. She’s the glue holding us all together. She’s the most renowned piece of art known to man, sculpted by us every. single. day. So take a second to realize how connected we all are. To one another. To Her. She’s the most royal unifier, so worthy of our constant worship. And she’s begging to be heard.

 

— K