“If you run away from yourself you will always be running… be willing to sit with yourself. Sitting with yourself allows you to see the truth of who you really are. It is not easy, but it is invaluable. More good comes from this simple action than you realize.”
In our device and stress filled world it is easy to find distractions. Sometimes we actually have to make time to not be distracted. And in those non-distracted moments we can sit with ourselves. And, sitting with ourselves sometimes can be amazingly difficult. I know; I’ve been there.
Early this morning I went out on a hike with my pup Lily. We went early so we could enjoy being the forest on our own. It was beautiful. I reveled in seeing the trees and the ferns, and the new sections of trail on which the volunteer trail crew had been working. I loved listening to the birds and the squirrels. I had a calm and peaceful mind. I wasn’t trying to solve any problems, or making up stories about other people, or fantasizing about how things could be different. I was simply walking in the woods, engaged in the present moment, engaged with my breath, and how my body felt. I was grateful for the beauty of the woods, and that I’m healthy enough to get out for an early morning 8 mile hike. On the way back to the car we began to see more people. Some were on their own, some were hiking and chatting in small groups. One was listening to ear buds, but gave me a big smile as she passed by. And one, was pecking at her cell phone, seemingly disengaged with the nature around her or the person with whom she was walking. She was oblivious to Lily and me standing at the side of the trail letting her pass.
Which way would you choose to be out in the woods? On your own? With friends? Listening to ear buds rather than sounds of nature? Pecking away at your phone? Solving problems with a busy mind? Perhaps they all have their place, but whether you walk in the woods, sit on a cushion, or pull weeds, remember the value of quieting your mind, turning inward and really connecting with yourself. Look for and accept the truth of who you really are. So as you move into today’s 9 minute meditation, or whatever practice you prefer, bear the above phrases in mind and enjoy leaning into the truth of who you really are.
