My little red tether is my anchor in running with my friends. A beautiful guide dog has been my tether/anchor in mobility and independence for 17 years: 1. Pantera 2. Cricket, and now my beautiful 3. Georgina (Georgie). A life of family and friends is my joy and anchor in life.

The human spirit is stronger than anything that can happen to it. CC Scott

Monday, May 4, 2009

Digging in the dirt = peace and simplicity

Happy Monday! I had a couple cancellations this morning in my office so was able to dig in the dirt prior to beginning my day. After a busy weekend, having this time to plant a few flowers and get my feet and hands in the dirt felt so great! Steve and I walk around our yard in the spring and he helps me visualize where everything is so I can form an idea of what I want to plant where. He also (since one year learning that I had missed out on some blossoms on our trees)he lets me know when something is in bloom. Cricket also loved the time to enjoy some sunshine before office time.
I am reminded each day in my work as a therapist - specializing in grief and loss the preciousness of each day and not get buried in stuff and busyness. I enjoyed these simple reminders . Sometimes I feel like I am doing my tasks slower these days and they are taking longer - in an adjustment phase of making the necessary accomodations for added vision loss. Taking the time and enjoying the journey helps me have a greater perspective. Enjoy the journey - interestingly the 'journey' literally of getting to the destination is something I have to consider multiple times each day. How am I getting to work today? What is the best route to take to this meeting? The journey is such an adventure with Cricket .. ah, a hole in our regular pathway.
Good girl as we stop.. pause.. acknowledge the obstacle..celebrate with a kibble..and move forward. Isn't this what we do often throughout our day whether it is a hole in the sidewalk or another challenge in the way. What brings peace and simplicity in your life?

6 comments:

Lacey said...

Spring is such a great time of year. It's so nice to get outside and make our yards pretty.

Infrequent Flyers said...

SUCH a great topic to stop and think about. You mentioned in one of your comments on my blog that Cricket makes you take the time to play. I have to agree that Cabana makes me be more balanced.

Because of Cabana, I prioritize our daily walk--something I've never been able to "make the time" to do consistently before. I'm extremely task oriented, but now that Cabana is in our home, I often stop what I'm doing to take a break with her, whether it's to pet her for a minute or practice puppy pushups. I used to HAVE to have a project to do while watching TV (knitting, sorting papers, etc)--but now, I just sit and pet her instead of doing something "productive." It's much more relaxing!

One of my favorite songs is called "Simple Life" by The Weepies. It talks about getting up in the morning, having a cup of coffee, noticing the birds singing--all simple pleasures in life. The refrain says, "I want only this. I want to live a simple life"--I have made this my mantra.

Loved your link of simple reminders. I need reminders! And thank YOU for the reminder today.

OSU 98 said...

One of the simplest pleasures in life is to walk my baby angel...I take her pretty much the same place, but she always looks back at me as if to say "this is great mom, this is so much fun". I love watching her chase her kong...all her instincts at their finest, on display and it is impossible to miss the sheer joy she feels when chasing something...

3 labs 4 me said...

Now that we have a puppy in our home, Culver reminds us to look at life a little differently........
How exciting to watch the breeze blow a flower blossom to & fro. (Can Culver eat it?) Don't worry about the weed growing in your yard. At least it has a pretty flower growing from it's base. (Can Culver eat it?) It's taking a bit more time to get things done with a puppy at your feet, but with a face like Culver's, he's worth it!!!!

Kauaiart said...

What brings Peace and Simplicity?
Stillness
Closing my eyes to Be Present with what comes Up :-)
Gardening sows hope..
Eating slowly is sensual: the feast!
Holding my dog and gazing into her chocolate eye pools.
Really listening with my Heart to a friend.
Practicing radiance is yoga poses.

Becky Andrews said...

Thanks for your comments of peace and simplicity - just reading them brings me joy and peace!