A celebration...

What a wonderful day! Today is my daughter’s birthday. We had not seen each other since last Thanksgiving. This last week we both faced tornadoes that may have ended life for either or both of us. Her text message saying, “Love you, in closet please pray” stopped my heart. The rush of adrenaline didn’t allow for hesitation. Intercessory prayer reached out to cover, hold and protect her. Somewhere far away my mind registered our sirens were going off as well (we live nearly two hundred miles apart). I began to visualize holding her in my arms as I had when she was a baby, so small and fragile. I’m not sure how much time passed but the sound of her message broke through, “thank you, much better now.” Today I could say “Happy Birthday Baby” but the feel of her in my arms was no less real than on Wednesday. 

Unit 2: Relaxation Exercise

This is a very good exercise for gaining awareness of the potential of inner control. I found the exercise very relaxing. Almost too much at one point, as I could have paused and simply remained in the comfort zone. When I focused on moving the blood to my shoulders,  I realized how tense the muscles were in this area (neck too). The heavy sensation of blood filling the area allowed them to ease and the dull pain subsided. However, directing the blood down arms and into hands had a mixed response. I felt the warmth and movement. Unfortunately, both arms are currently suffering an outbreak of poison ivy. The increased warmth also increased the itching, distracting from the relaxed state. As I removed the blood from the area, the outburst subsided. The suggestion for feeling more energized helped tremendously. It has been a week of very little sleep or relaxation. I attempted to take the exercise a step further by visualizing the blood bursting from the core (much like a geyser erupting) to energize all part of my body. The sensation was a tremendous tingling spreading in all directions followed by a slight warming. I felt the desire to jump up and do something. My mind seemed cleared and my body ready for action, again.

Be Still and Listen...

“But it hurts!”

“It is only a scrape. Look there isn’t even any blood.”

“But it hurts!”

“Be still and listen.”

“I am listening, but it still hurts!”

At that point, mom became firm with her request for me to be still and listen. I was directed to close my eyes and tell her the first thing I heard. I tried to quiet my sobs and not think about my knee. It was a song! (bird singing) It was explained this was a mommy bird being thankful for the dinner she had found for her babies. Next, was a deep-throated croak. I was told Mr. Frog was directing traffic in the woods. I had to giggle as my mental image was of a frog with a stop sign like the crossing guard at school. Again, I was still and listened. A faint smell of honeysuckle drifted on a gentle breeze that caressed tear stained cheeks. It reminded me of grandma’s hugs. In the distance, the talking water (babbling/bubbling stream) and periodic single bark of a dog could be heard. There was the soft rustle of dried leaves. A squirrel was hurrying to get home, made me think my dad.

“I miss daddy.”

“I do too, but he will be home soon (military). That dog is protecting his family just like daddy is protecting us.”

I had closed my eyes and opened myself to the treasure filled world around me. The pain dissolved without notice, a great weight was lifted from my young heart. I felt a peaceful contentment that replaced my worries and pain. I was smiling at all the special treasures surrounding me, filling me with a renewed sense of wellbeing. By the time mom asked if I was feeling better enough to finish our walk, the fall was a distant memory. The knee was fine and my young mind was at rest. No pain or grey clouds loomed on my horizon. My heart bubbled with joy much like the bubbling stream. We gave thanks for the beauty we were allowed to share.

...and so the journey began. That was nearly forty-five years ago but the lessons of the day were never forgotten. Being still and listening represents many things to many people. For me, it became a way of minimizing the negative effects of daily life on my wellness. Personally, the simple act of gratitude adds a completeness to a cycle removing the negative effects on wellbeing.