Sacred Moments

The life I have in this next 24 hours is sacred.  When I view my time and presence as sacred, I re-evaluate how I am using it.  Am I distracted by time wasters, such as watching TV, reading tabloids, or playing video games?  Am I trying to do so many things at once I rush around mindlessly going through the motions of living?  Am I so over-focused on a goal that I can’t see you?  Am I drowning in fear, anger, resentment, jealousy, sadness, or hurt and unable to appreciate the moments of invitation to forgiveness, connection and healing that exist? 

I choose to be mindful in the choices I make of how to invest my time this day and to recognize that your time is also sacred.  I experience gratitude and appreciation when I recognize the precious time you choose to share with me.  I greet this day, this time, and you with awe and honor. 

Being in the Flow

Holding on and letting go, holding on and letting go; this is the rhythm of my day.  My breath goes in and often I notice I hold on to it until I can no longer wait before releasing a large exhale that makes room for a new breath.  This is so parallel to my process throughout the day.  Events, interactions, circumstances, experiences happen and I tend to have difficultly letting them go to make room for what’s next.  I wrestle with 'what ifs' or 'if onlys'.  I  allow my feelings to go unexpressed and unheard and discount myself and others.  Then, I become overwhelmed, confused, and stressed out until finally setting myself free again when the pressure becomes to great.

Today, I choose to be more mindful of staying in the flow of the moment.  I will follow my breath and experience the gentle movement of the tides of this day.  Rather than trying to control how the day emerges or creating dams to block the current, I will simply float where the flow takes me.  I will feel the emotions and recognize the needs I and others have without judgment or shaming.  I will express my truth and listen with an open heart as I ride the waves of this day.  I can trust I will  end up where I’m supposed to be at the end of the day. I simply immerse myself in the flow.  

Connection

The time and space of today issues an invitation to me: “Will you take a risk to be seen and known today?”   “Will you open your heart to know and see others?”  

I can choose to play it safe while I rush mindlessly from one moment to the next taking care of business and blindly passing by opportunities to connect.  I can hide quietly on the sidelines while I admiringly watch others dance through the day, stepping on each other’s toes and inviting relationship with one another.  I can bury my head in the sand and allow time to pass me by while I resignedly believe I am a victim of others lack of compassion and inability to reach out.  I can march forward pushing others out of the way while I ruthlessly conquer the obstacles I encounter.  Each of these routes ends in regret, loneliness, and pain.  Nowhere near the destination I have desired to reach. 

I courageously choose to say yes.  I will allow myself to be known while I stand firmly rooted in the adequacy of enough-ness.  I will open my heart to have curiosity about you, while I take time to carefully listen and respect your truth. I trust the creativity and spontaneity that flows between us and believe that together we can co-create a rich rapport and enjoyable connection.  Only this makes the journey truly satisfying.

Opening My Heart To Receive

I choose to open my heart to the love that is available in the moments of this day.  Unfortunately, I too often find myself putting up barriers and protection even though you've given me no reason to distrust or need to defend.  I will minimize and say ‘I don’t care that much’ or make excuses while I run away and avoid the connection you offer.  I find myself saying ‘be careful, be careful’ and holding back when I want to let go.   I spend way too much time examining your motivations and intentions, suspiciously looking for signs of rejection, betrayal, deception, or possible fault. 

It’s amazing that despite my doubt you continue to reach out and call to me.  Today, I intend to consciously dismantle the walls of old hurt, bitterness, and fear.  I am safe and can recognize when boundaries are needed or not required.  I choose to welcome the relationships that flow into and out of this day.  I deserve to be loved and will mindfully allow my heart to be touched by your connection, friendship, and caring.  I can receive what you offer to me without needing to immediately pay it back.  I am grateful for the gifts of warmth and kindness this day holds.