"Practice being awake."
Bethany Lee recently spoke at my church and these very simple words got me to pay attention. Bethany has written several books of poetry and plays the harp most beautifully. She is a thoughtful young woman.
Thinking about being awake, what does that mean? Again I think it means to pay attention, "notice what you notice". I can't say it enough. When we are awake we see both the beauty and the sorrows of life. We feel. In feeling it can be painful, but if we pay attention it can also be a growing experience. Growing is good, Being awake is good.
Then laugh and love a lot!
Be joyful!
Sing!
I had lunch a couple days ago with my cousin and his wife. He is a bird person. So after lunch he drove us to one of his favorite places to sit and watch the birds. We weren't disappointed. There was an abundance of birds. He knows I like to notice nature; so he encouraged me to snap a few pictures. The middle picture particularly made me happy, as it also caught the reflections on the water. Isn't it fun when a simple snap of the phone camera makes you smile and feel joy?
What is making your heart sing today?
Sending love,
Marilyn
3 comments:
It seems I notice a lot -- and then totally miss things (like tripping over my shoes or stepping off a curb I didn't know was there.) But yes, being awake is a very good thing to be. (Except in the middle of the night!)
The reflections in the water are so pretty, and then the white bird that really stands out! Mary Oliver has a poem about paying attention. Staying awake is another way of really being in the moment and aware of what's happening.
What a peaceful place you visited with your cousin to watch the birds. You took some lovely photos, Marilyn, but I have to say the second one is my favorite with the water's reflection of the trees. That white bird is so pretty. Yes, I always try to be vigil and stay alert. A great reminder to us all, Marilyn.
~Sheri
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