We live in a fast paced world. Everything has a time constraint. Everyone is rushing to be somewhere at a certain time, then to leave at another time and be somewhere else. Even dinner and nights out having fun are scheduled. When do we enjoy spontaneity anymore? When do we ever just let go of the tight reins we keep around our lives? Take time to look at the sunset, or the ant crawling or the beautiful rainbow, absorb the endlessly beautiful nature around us, close our eyes and feel the wind kiss our face. Even sleep and meditation are scheduled. We must remember to pay attention to our breath, to stop sometimes and take it all in. Have a day planned that is “not planned” and scheduled to a “T”

Even if it just means having an afternoon set aside when we just don’t know what we are going to do but we know we are going to release the reins and be spontaneous. Get out of the house, leave the devices home (ok fine just switch them off then!). We could take a friend or loved one with us or be alone, look at our loved ones and talk to them or not talk at all. But really look at them, who they are, appreciate them, ask them about their life. Even if you just make it to your backyard, lay down in the grass and look up at the sky, the way we did when we were kids. These moments are so necessary. I find my solace in going to the ocean and having a surf or doing yoga in nature. I leave my watch and phone behind. I find that in these moments spent in nature with no plans or schedules to be true meditation. It’s remembering who I am, a spiritual being having a human experience.

If we don’t find a balance that’s when sickness and stress creeps up and then we have to heal ourselves or find a healer or doctor.
Those moments by the ocean bring me back to the spontaneity of childhood. What’s your solace? Is it riding your bike or walking your dog? Is it gardening or watching your kids laugh and play? Whatever it is let’s try to “plan” a day or afternoon once a week, or once a month where we have “no plans.”
I’ll meet you there in nature and remember to observe your breath! Something so simple and subtle yet we can’t live without it. Appreciate your breath, it’s how we live, appreciate your entire body for it works magnificently for you!!