Lost now Here

Until taking a breather after having a baby, I never fully realized the sense of urgency most of society has found as a normal day-to-day energy.  Rush here, rush there, gotta get this done because if not it can't get it done during the week or next weekend.  We all do it.  And to a certain extent, it is a good thing.  It expresses pro-activeness, passion for activity, and the willingness to work hard.  However, within this sense of urgency, we are no longer noticing the present moment.  Mistakes can be made and life's little things or even the enormous and most important things get overlooked.  After a while, we begin to feel lost.  We go on autopilot.  And we can even forget to be happy or to appreciate or enjoy life's blessings.

It's tough.  But I'm trying to slow down and laugh more.  And realize that all will get done even if I smile.  And thanks to Myla & Jon Kabat-Zinn, I was reminded of this when I picked up their book, Everyday Blessings: The Inner Work of Mindful Parenting.   I came across a poem by David Wagoner, based on the Northwest Native American tradition. 

Lost

Stand Still.  The trees ahead and bushes beside you
Are not lost.  Wherever you are is called Here,
And you must treat it as a powerful stranger,
Must ask permission to know it and be known.
The forest breathes.  Listen.  It answers,
I have made this place around you,
If you leave it you may come back again, saying Here.

No two trees are the same to Rave.
No two branches are the same to Wren.
If what a tree or a bush does is lost on you,
You are surely lost.  Stand still.  The forest knows
Where you are.  You must let it find you.

Attend to Your life.  Please avoid getting caught up in the drama.  Ask yourself, "Is it worth it?"

Be Well.  Stay Present,

MLC