I love summer… I always have. It truly is my favorite season, and don’t see that changing, but who knows?…I’m open.
Living in Laguna Beach between May and July 5th is usually pretty gloomy. “May Gray” or “June Gloom”, take your pick. Dense fog with maybe an hour of sunshine peeking through, is the norm. I have to tell you though, I’m anticipating the joys of summer. Water temps that call you in, BBQ’s with friends and movies and concerts in the park. Even though the tourists drive me crazy, I can’t wait to hear that first trolley bell leaving the station below my house. My very favorite thing is lying outside on the deck at night, gazing at the stars and waking up to a coyote’s howl.
Perhaps you can relate to my story. Do you have fond memories of a time of year, a special holiday, or some other experience near and dear to your heart? Has this memory become more special as you have enjoyed it over and over again? If so, you are thinking of it with either anticipation or expectation. I invite you to consider the difference.
For me, expectation is my emotional attachment to an outcome. If the weather never gets nice, or I don’t get to enjoy the beach because it’s closed for health reasons, my expectations set me up to be disappointed. We all know that there’s nothing worse than an unfulfilled expectation.
Anticipation on the other hand, is very similar to expectation, but has none of the thorny negatives. I’m still every bit as excited about every detail of summer, but not emotionally attached to it. I’m open to the idea that summer will be wonderful, no matter what happens. Perhaps I’ll be gifted a ticket to spend summer in Paris, or even better, the beaches being closed would give me more time to paint a seascape on my deck. I imagine myself to be fluid and soft like water, shaping myself to the container of summer. What ever happens will be perfect.
In gratitude…and joy!
L.
Many times we look back on our day and ask the question, “where did my day go?” We get stuck on autopilot and forget to stop and smell the roses…literally!
When was the last time you actually stopped to observe a wonder of nature and really absorbed it? A spider building a web, a beautiful flower unfolding, the smell of the ocean, looking at the stars in the night sky, or feeling the warm sun on your face? Maybe you’ve been so busy you haven’t noticed anything at all.
I know this happens for me, and as of late more than care to admit. Taxes, resume, laundry, graphic work, grocery shopping, driving, phone calls… you get the idea. When we are in this mode are we really living or just existing? I know for myself, I feel more alive when I stop, take in what surrounds me and become aware of my senses. This connects me to the much bigger picture called life.
Today I am committed to stopping and just being, even if it’s only for a few moments. I will notice the difference of how I feel and the shifts inside.
Want to play along?
In gratitude,
L.
