A morning's hesitation

Another alarm bell, one more day along the path from birth and death. What will the new day bring? No-one really knows (although we think we do). Sunshine or rain, blue sky or wind, dogs barking, trucks rumbling nearby, robins doing their run-three-step-then-stop-and-listen-for-worms dance, countless flowers blooming and neighbourhood fruit trees ripening. What else?

Slow down for a moment – leave cell phone, iPod, and must-have-my-latte aside. Delay getting busy for a minute longer. Open the window or door, sit facing the window, place the palm of one hand over your heart space – and listen.

There’s really nothing you need to do or be. Being alive unfolds in spite of “I”, “me”, and “us.” You’re not improvement project. Nothing needs to be fixed or dressed-up. Welcome yourself as you are, warts and all.

May you experience this day — and the next breath and the one after that – for what it is: a rare blessing.

Peter Renner guides a weekly meditation group at Fernwood Zendo (www.heartmind.ca).