Wonders are omnipresent, veiled by our busy lives. Take time to turn off your cell phone… shut down your computer. Resist the urge to respond to the steady stream of emails and text messages. Forget worries, troubles and the pressing items on your” to-do” list. In silence, you may encounter a sign- probably not a dramatic sign like a burning bush and a deep booming voice emanating from the heavens – but a revelation, warm glow and subtle gravitational pull, enticing you to explore possibilities and discover the miracles around you.
We live in a time of instant communication. Technology has made our world spin faster. We continuously strive to balance our personal and professional lives, at times, failing miserably. Our mind, body and spirit become out- of –synch. We may feel exhausted… lose our ability to think clearly and creatively… even become sick with a life-threatening illness. Make time in your busy schedule to be alone… turn off the noise…discover the power of solitude!
One day, after a strenuous week of working late… facing a multitude of problems… encountering information overload, I grabbed my backpack, water and an energy bar, and headed for the wilderness to clear my mind. The conversation I was having with myself quieted as I clambered over fallen trees and cautiously stepped onto moss-covered rocks that formed a bridge across the stream. The forest came alive-woodpeckers tapping… the chatter of squirrels and chipmunks… twigs snapping beneath my feet
My muscles burned as I ascended the steep slope to the top of a ridge. Beyond a meadow of alpine flowers lay a jewel that shimmered in a bowl surrounded by rugged peaks. I strode through the tall grass and climbed onto a boulder resting along the shore. I pulled off my boots and socks and dangled my legs over the edge. The granite radiated heat from the mid-day sun and tension melted as I basked in the tranquility, gazing at my reflection in the still pond.
An eagle soaring above interrupted my meditation. I put on my gear, slid off the rock and continued on the path that led to the mountaintop. The summit drew closer as I slowly trekked across a field of snow. Catching my breath, I stood on the highest point and marveled at the rows of snow-capped mountains that touched the horizon in every direction.
Gray clouds floating above began to rumble. The wind picked up and whipped around me. Freezing rain began to fall, stinging my hands and face. I ran down the hill to timberline and huddled under pine boughs, mesmerized by the crystals bouncing off the earth. Eventually, the hail stopped and the sun reappeared, warming the cold air.
The afternoon shadows warned me to continue down the hill. The clouds disappeared and clear skies were ever-present. With each step, new ideas and solutions to what once seemed like insurmountable problems flashed into my mind. When I reached the trail head, I was motivated to begin returning phone calls, responding to emails, and meet the challenges in my life...my body stronger… my mind sharper… my spirit more at peace than before.
Suspend time…release tension… awaken your senses and allow thoughts to drift through your consciousness like gossamer clouds floating across the sky. Only in stillness is our reflection clear. Become aware of a strength welling from within and propelling you forward as those “ah ha” moments are revealed.
