So yesterday I wrote about my reinvigorated belief that everything happens for a reason. A funny thing happened on my way to work and then once I got to work that really reinforced my experience of the last two days.
I've been thinking about being present a lot due to my experience of the last few days and because of what I read in Rolf's book. So I had just dropped off my baby girl Bella and was driving through South Park. I came to a light that I knew from experience was relatively long. The song "La Soledad" by Pink Martini was playing on my car stereo (it's the 7th track on Buddha Bar III Dinner, I think). It's an absolutely gorgeous song. In that moment I chose to attempt to fully appreciate the sound while also doing a bit of meditation. I closed my eyes, tried to relax all the muscles in my body and trust that I would get a cue as to when it was time to come back. Of course it was difficult. I was sitting in the middle of traffic and in the back of my mind I was worried about the light turning green. But for a moment, I definitely let go. It was nice.
The rest of the way to work I was sort of pensive in the sense that I was thinking about how little time I have in this life to do the things I want to do like meditate more. I also started thinking that I all too often don't truly open my eyes and view the beauty that is always right in front of us. There is beauty in every object, every person, every situation if we just open our eyes and more importantly our minds to that beauty. So I admired the trees and smelled the fresh cut grass and breathed deep.
I am subscribed to a few DailyOM newsletters. If you don't know of it, go to www.dailyom.com and sign-up. It's great. I get two every day - one is a daily Gemini horoscope and the other is just a daily bit of inspiration or pondering. Well, today my horoscope had the following snippets in it:
"You may feel philosophical today and find yourself reflecting on what really matters in life. You could feel a need to review your life experiences and examine the lessons you have gained from them, or you may be considering ways to bring more purpose into your life. A good way to do this is by making an effort to engage more deeply with life and allowing yourself to be immersed in the sights, sounds, scents, and emotions you experience during your normal routine. You may also wish to take a few moments to look at your life with awe. Simply pause, take a deep breath, and allow yourself to be filled today with a sense of wonder for the beauty that surrounds you."
"We often get into the habit of living our lives unconsciously by going about our daily routines on autopilot. Choosing to slow down and appreciate the beauty and wonder that surrounds us gives us the opportunity to experience life on a more profound level. We find ourselves feeling alert, alive, and more aware of every aspect of our existence. We feel more in tune with our spiritual selves and more connected with all living things. Suddenly our lives seem more vibrant, enriched, and more meaningful."
Unbelievable. Talk about everything happening for a reason. This type of thing happens all the time with my DailyOM horoscope. It's crazy.