I didn’t initially notice the leaves etched onto the sidewalk. Though my stride felt leisurely, my mind admittedly was on the next thing. The woman next to me, however, had to use a cane to help her along spot by spot on the sidewalk, and this made me change my gait and look down. She used the cane to point out these leaves to the woman walking slowly with her. I was awfully glad for this accidental pointing because I had truly never seen such a thing. The physical limitation for which she needed this cane offered me an unlimited view our present spot.
I felt sheepish and happy for this little lesson in awareness. When we spiral out of awareness into thought, fear, attachment or confusion, we not only miss what is around us, but we often make our actual feelings worse. I feel newly encouraged that the next time this happens to me, I will try to stop and look down at where the proverbial cane is pointing. At one spot. Simply. The spot might be pretty, like these leaves, or it might not. It might be mundane or ugly or something that just feels inexplicably unnerving. But noticing it, and just really taking a moment to see it, will offer an easier transition to the next moment. That is all we really have. The observations of our actual moments.
Thank you for your patience this week as FRIDAY 8/19 Practice will also be canceled.
Next week’s schedule:
Wednesday 9:15 am, Friday at 8:30 am
Temple Emanuel of Beverly Hills 300 N. Clark Drive.
In appreciation,
Michelle
