Northern Lights

Incredible Encounter

Last Friday night I was upstairs, in my robe, getting ready for bed. Mike was taking Javi out for one last walk.

They both came bursting back inside and Mike exclaimed, “Get dressed! We have to get outside. Northern Lights!!”

About five minutes later we were basking in the splendor along the lakeshore. And, from the volume of amazing photos on social media? I know many of you were out there, too. 🥰

For those who didn’t get to see it in person, I’m so glad we carry cameras and can easily share some snapshots. ​

Getting Javi acclimated to all things Little Wing 🦋 We’re trying to make him a sailor, too! ​

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“To live is the rarest thing in the world.
Most people exist, that is all.”
~ Oscar Wilde

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Internal Curiosity
Shifts Happen 🥰

Hello beautiful people,

Gosh, this time of year reminds me how much I enjoy color!

My rhododendrons bursting into bloom make me smile every time I catch a glimpse. I’m actually a little giddy that our transplanted iris beds have a few blooms with even more buds awaiting their moment. Every time I walk Javi, I take in the progress of my favorite bed of poppies in the neighborhood. It won’t be long now!

Getting to see the spectacular Northern Lights show last weekend?! Well, that just about put me over the top. I had a difficult time settling back in for sleep after our Friday night adventure. 😀

Natural beauty is something so calming, and healing, especially when we are present enough to truly take it in.

This brings me to something I’ve been meditating on lately.

Our ability to be present and open to it all. The splendor and the wonder. The struggle and the challenge. Or, as one of my yogi friends says, “The happy and the crappy.” 😉

Here’s what I’m starting to know. It all keeps shifting. And, while we don’t have ultimate control, we can train where we direct our gaze. Where we place our own energy and what we give energy to.

Easy example: I’m a little busier than normal these days: more on the calendar; a longer “to-do” list. The other day when I got in my car to tackle a list of not-so-fun errands, I took a moment to check in; I noticed my mindset and my internal language. I felt hurried. A bit stressed. It felt like I was, indeed, braced to “tackle” my list. 🤪

Guess what? I was doing that to myself. It wasn’t necessary. And, I could help myself shift into a different space. One that was more calm. More present. More kind to myself and to others around me.

I even began to experience gratitude for the opportunities that have created this busyness. Because truly? That long list of errands? ALL rooted in privilege.

When I can access this space, everything feels easier. Moves with greater flow. Less agitation. Less struggle.

I noticed I also have more fun all along the way. And why not? I’m going to do the errands one way or another, so why not go the more pleasant route?

Keeping our mind focused, or training where we direct our gaze, our energy, takes practice. But, the practice is simple. It starts with checking in. Creating a moment of pause. Settling into breath. Beginning to notice more about your own body and being.

Then, if warranted, helping yourself create that shift. Maybe through a moment of stillness. Or putting on some good music. Or noticing something blooming near you. Or taking a short walk.

It’s simply a practice of internal curiosity.
This curiosity leads to enhanced awareness.
Our enhanced awareness fosters the ability to shift.
The shift changes everything. ♥️

So much goodness happening all around.
I hope to see you soon,

~ m