focus

This morning appears to be like any other day. The sun is shining and it is warm. I attended a back to school breakfast for the teachers in my area. The breakfast was held at a local resort, so everything was done perfectly. There were lots of treats and prizes for the teachers to take home, as well. Tomorrow is scheduled to begin another school year. I filled my tank up, gas prices have taken another drop.

If one begins to take a closer look, however, you notice homes with boards going up over the windows. Yard decorations and outdoor furniture is moved inside or thrown into pools. The grocery store parking lots are full, with people loading water, candles and batteries into their cars. It is time to prepare for the possibility of another hurricane.

I decided to take advantage of the calm before the storm and went for a 35 mile bike ride. Half of it had the wind at my back, making it easy to progress. For the other half of the ride, I was riding against the wind. (That makes me lapse into an old Bob Seger song.)

During the more difficult portion of the ride, I began to realize it was time to focus on the actions involved in pedaling the bike. My feet are clipped into the pedal, so if I begin to pull up as well as push down on the pedal, different muscles are used. I gain strength and speed. I also notice the movement and feel of my legs. This allows me to become aware how my breathing has lapsed into a new pattern, matching this change in movement. Suddenly, I am lost in the awareness of my body, feeling the physical humanness that is me.

A funny thing happens when I am absorbed in the moment. My focus becomes just the moment, without it being good or bad. It simply is. In that flash, body mind and spirit become one. I feel “connected”. I am aware of my thoughts as they pass through my mind at this time. It seems as though inspiration comes through. Without the resistance of the conscious mind trying to control all thoughts and behaviors, the subconscious can create possible avenues to creating change.

I have survived other hurricanes. I have been fortunate that while I have experienced damage to my home, I have never lost my home or a loved one in the storms. For a long time in the past, however, I identified with my loss. My home, under re-construction, was a victim of the storm. Lately, I have realized all the wonderful changes that have happened in my home as a result of the rebuilding. I am finding more joy in the projects themselves. My home is a safe place.

Last night a young lady stayed at my house. She is the friend of one of my sons. Outward appearances give the impression of a beautiful, bright and fortunate young woman. That is a fair assessment of her. However, she called looking for a safe place to think. Her family is going through a hurricane of it’s own. We offered a safe place

I have survived personal hurricanes. Again, no longer a victim of the circumstances, I realize how when life pared me down to my true core, it is wonderful to embrace the authentic me. Neither good nor bad, just me. I am safe.

It is my intention to post as usual this week. If I don’t, think of me with my family down in the man cave, playing pool by candle light. While the storms may rage around us, we’ll be safe.