SALUTE TO THE MORNING SUN

First I removed my handkerchief mask, then I kicked off my shoes on the front lawn.  Exhaling slowly, I looked all around me.  Early morning sun was bathing the lawn in soft light.  Yes!  This is the reason I wanted to be here!  Walking barefoot on the lush carpet of green grass, I breathed deeply and slowly, allowing my lungs to fill with fresh air.  With each step, my feet caressed the moist fragrant earth.

Ahhhhhh!  How sweet it is to be grounded by the good earth after a restful night's sleep!  Eyes filled to overflowing with the freshness and glory of spring.  Everything in me seemed to say, "Yes!"

An involuntary smile spread across my face as I looked at the sun while still barefoot.  Arms overhead, I glided into a "Salute to the Sun" yoga asana.  Then for the next 35 minutes or so, I flowed from one movement to another in my morning Qi Gong routine.  Those observing from inside told me later that I looked like a dancer gracefully moving on the dance floor.  This is the grace of Qi Gong, an ancient system of movements that activates energy meridians.  I ended the routine by walking barefoot on the lawn for a few minutes.

Then I donned my face-mask, put on my shoes, and walked inside the lobby of Canterbury House.  I felt healthy and invigorated.

Inside my apartment, I cooked a half cup of whole organic oats in the microwave for three minutes, then added in fresh fruit, organic mangoes and raspberries.  A dollop of organic soy milk and breakfast was ready.  Every morsel tasted fresh and delicious!

The best part of the morning still lay ahead, believe it or not!  This thought beckoned me to wash the breakfast dishes and make my bed.  Apartment clean and tidy,  I sat down for meditation, both guided and silent, for about 30 minutes.  Then I picked up my iPhone and read a couple of Richard Rohr's recent reflections on Teresa of Avila and John of the Cross.  Deep gratitude that others lived a deeply inward life and wrote about it.  I emerged from this time of prayer and reflection alert and centered.

I went straight to my computer to do some work I had postponed for months.  It was invigorating to get the information I needed in order to take action and resolve a couple of nagging issues.  Yay!  Doesn't it feel good to check off items on your TO DO list!

What a delightful morning!

May you, too, know the quiet joy of barefoot walks on the grass and a salute to the morning sun.  May your time of prayer leave you centered and ready to begin your work with resolve and expectancy.  May you accomplish something you've been putting off, just for the fun of it!

Even in the midst of this pandemic, life is good, exceeding good.  Abundant blessings to you.

Flowers on Queen Street