It seems like a lot of tweeting going on in the cyber world. But are you feeling more, or less, connected? Perhaps in our attempt to ‘not miss anything’, we are missing what’s really important – the simple things in life that can give us the greatest joy.
Last week my friend and I went for a walk through Selby Gardens – our favorite place to connect with nature, each other, and to just BE in the present moment.
As we entered the greenhouse – a magical world of orchids, bromeliads and waterfalls – we were transported. Sitting on the wood slat benches, facing each other, we did slow breathing, filling our lungs with an abundance of luscious, life-supporting air. (Although I’ve never been to an oxygen bar, I can’t imagine it being any better than this). Meditating for a few minutes created a natural high – a feeling of ONENESS with God, the world, each other…so wonderful that we didn’t want to leave.
The rest of our walk, alongside the bamboo sentinels overlooking the bay, brought about a peace and calm that only nature can provide. Though only a short distance from where we lived, it felt like we were on a retreat.
Suddenly we heard a rather loud, insistent “TWEET, TWEET, TWEET!” Looking carefully into a nearby tree, we spotted the small brown bird singing her heart out. We couldn’t help but smile. It was one of those happy, in-the-moment experiences that remind us of the joy of being alive. We decided to return the favor. We started singing: “Rockin’ Robin….tweet, tweet, tweet…” With alert attention, the bird peered down. Once she determined we were not ‘off our rockers’, she tweeted back before flying off.
What a beautiful reminder of all that we miss by not being present, by being incessantly tied to our phones and computers. In one hour, our day – and life – was delightfully transformed because we stopped to listen and experience the aliveness of one little creature.
I invite you to turn off your cell phones, step away from your computer and take a walk outside. Take a moment, clear your mind, tune in and enjoy the wondrous world that is all around you.
Life is sweet! Tweet Tweet!
Speak Your Mind