even though i’m a coach/counselor,
i’ve never been one to do traditional meditation.
but i set out one morning this week to take a meditative walk.
to see what nature could offer me.
to silence the chatter in my head.
to enable an opening for the answers to some big questions.
to mindfully find the direction i need right now.
i was craving a sensory experience that would help me gain
clarity. strength. focus.
i felt the hard concrete under my feet.
i felt the rhythmic cadence of my legs moving to my own beat.
i felt the glorious sunshine on my face.
i felt the easing tension of my body.
i heard the gentle flow of the river.
i heard the exuberance and excitement in the barks of many dogs.
i heard the bustling sounds of the freeway.
i heard the shrieking children on a playground.
i saw the beautiful pink blossoms after winter’s starkness.
i saw the . . .
WAIT A MINUTE!
why DO kids on a playground shriek so?!
and really . . . WHO “misplaces” their slipper on a public road?!
this was quickly turning into the wrong type of focus.
i realized that, unless i concentrated once again, completely,
on that rhythmic cadence i mentioned earlier,
i began feeling a bit scattered.
i set out to take a meditative walk.
but i wasn’t feeling peaceful or relaxed.
it didn’t seem meant to be.
at least not on that particular day, in those particular places.
but, as often happens, a new lesson emerged instead.
i saw the signs.
the brightly colored signs.
the literal signs that turned into metaphorical signs.
attempting to impart their wisdom, to guide me.
such as . . .
when you come to a division in the road, stop and carefully consider your choices.
choose the one that lights you up inside.
the world’s problems will load themselves up on you if you let them.
allow time and space to unload your burdens when necessary.
do not enter those areas that suck the life out of your soul.
promise yourself that you will only venture where your heart is truly taking you.
when it feels as if there is only one way to go, only one direction available to you . . .
stop and reevaluate all of your options. your hands are never tied.
sometimes it’s tough-going and requires a lot of blood, sweat, and tears.
but don’t give up, keep pushing. you will be so proud of the results.
take care of yourself on this journey.
know when to throw caution to the wind.
and when not to burn your bridges.
but remember . . .
you can always rebuild.
look around you.
what lessons are begging you to notice them . . . today?
*******
are you ready to embark on the essence7 journey?
(click below for my free guide.)
These days, the signs usually come in the form a Facebook post that I just “happen” to see. When I pay attention, rather than just liking & moving on, I see the deeper message in it for me.
And after a difficult week, the crocuses that are (finally!) popping their heads out of the ground tell me that this too shall pass.
April, another great post with thoughtful reminders. Today, I’m going to walk around and really pay attention to those signs.
Inspirational message. Thank you.
What a fantastic post, April! I really enjoyed how you paved the way for me to walk along your path. (all puns intended) I need to open my eyes and look at the signs…yes. Yes, I do. Thank you for this perfectly-timed post!
Wonderful April! I love when you say ‘do not enter those areas that suck the life out of your soul.
promise yourself that you will only venture where your heart is truly taking you.’
When Is do that the messages are CLEAR!
Such a wonderul post April! And it really resonates with me. Sometimes I get so hung-up about with my original intention that I forget to look around me for the signs and to experience the things that are important, even if they are not what I originally set out to experience. Thanks for sharing.
April, you’ve inspired me to notice the “signs” more today, and reminded me to be open to noticing signs in general (because sometimes I forget), so thank you! As a strong advocate of mindfulness, I can strongly attest to the fact that a simple walk is a completely different experience when done mindfully. Your paying attention to the signs was an original take on a mindfulness walk – loved it!
Such a cool post, April! I’m trying to recall if I saw any signs today… Hmmm…
How about if I promise to look more closely tomorrow? 🙂
i love walking meditation, moving meditation, dancing meditation , drawing meditation! People think you have just have to sit Cross legged and be still to meditate but there are many ways! As you found out!!! Xxx
Great post, thanks for the reminder to see the signs and for inspiring me to take a walking meditation. I’ll definitely do this the next time I’m out walking. Love and light 🙂
Hi very inspiring, it teaches us how to be aware in every little thing around us. Thanks for sharing. Great Read.