MIndfulness

I have been learning the meaning of "mindfulness".   It has come to me the hard way, learning how to cope with the fear and stress of my bout with cancer.  For me, mindfulness means taking a deep breath, noticing the perfect symmetry of the apple as I cut it, or sweeping the floor in big round motions, watching the patterns of dust and the color of the feathers from my four pet birds, gathering together into a perfect pile.

Life is here - for the living.   Every moment can be noticed. 

I look around me and see everyone rushing through life without even noticing it - and doing an even worse job of noticing the people in their lives.  I've waited too long and wandered too much to rush now.  In many ways, it has taken too much for me to realize this.

Finally, I have found great comfort in noticing.  The people I have known and those around me now.   I look at you differently now.   I find myself really looking.    I get lost in celebrating small things about you - a smile, a gesture, the way you react, your thoughts, your dreams.   Each of you.  

Mindfulness - I never felt magic like this.  Where have I been?   I thought I was busy living my life.  I realize, however, that I was just rushing through it.  It is time to slow down and notice.