Light Dawning

I took this sunrise photo late in December and was grateful that I woke up in time to see the vast expanse of colour welcome me into a new day. I enjoy living in this nourishing environment because, regardless of what is going on, nature continues to move through cycles undisturbed by our human dramas and dilemas. It is comforting. December for me was a mixture of sorrow and celebration. We lost our beloved family dog, Leo, who was my constant companion for the past 2 years. It has been 16 days, and I can still feel his presence around me, loyal and kind as he was.

Sorrow also for all the Canadian soldiers lost in the line of duty in December. I have a grandson in the Dand province of Afghanistan right now, and although I know that he is over-the-moon happy finally doing what he loves to do, that he is so much in his element, I live with a delicate thread of tension which I am sometimes aware of and sometimes not. When a loved one is on rotation there is the opportunity to practice mindfulness like never before. There is one circle which is about him being at war, about his dad and siblings missing him, coping with his absence, there are my feelings about a grandson in harm's way. This forms one closed circle. Then there is another larger circle around that one which is about what needs doing in the house, food to buy, meals to prepare, work to do. One foot in front of the other, around the arc of the circle, until that one closes, and the work of living begins again.

Focusing helps me to be with what is, ever expanding what I can hold in my awareness without reacting. Focusing helps me to cast light on the shadow thinking, the dark and fearfilled feelings that could, if I were not mindful, own me.

Focusing and Mindfulness are constant companions. They offer peaceful presence in a turbulent and changing world.

I would love to hear your comments about what Focusing and Mindfulness bring to you.