Crisp Clarity

In order to be full

you have to empty yourself

completely of yourself.

Eknath Easwaran

Thoughts for the Day

This morning I eagerly took my coffee onto the back patio to sit in my white wicker rocker and to enjoy the beauty of the morn.  The sun was out and the singing of the birds floated on the currents of the spring breeze. 

I, of course, was not alone.  I was accompanied by the inspirational writings of Mark Nepo, Alan Cohen, and a large collection of poems.  I feel open to breathe in the beauty of the morning and willing to experience new thought.  I was prepared.

Eknath Easwaran in the Thought for the Day, speaks of how we must empty our inner self in order to have room for fullness.  For me, this is not new news.  I find my self doing an internal 'spring cleaning' pretty much every day.  I endeavor to discard all that no longer supports me and everything that is nothing more than emotional baggage.  And yet, as I read these words this morning, I can only sigh in acknowledgement of having too much still attached within me.

I stretch my awareness in hopes of recognizing the criticisms and negative attitudes lurking in my mind.  I long for crisp clarity which will allow me to hear the slightest spiritual motion bringing me into the true sense of the presence of now. 

I realize spiritual moments are fleeting and it is impossible to live endlessly in bliss while navigating through this physical experience we call life.  It is unrealistic to expect to be in splendor all day long, so I seek it of the morning.  I wait for it in the early hours as my day begins.  If by chance I can glimpse a magical moment with insight or wisdom, I can face my day with calm and kindness.

And what if I cannot capture this experience during my morning coffee?  Well, of course the perfect answer might be to remain present in my white wicker rocker well into a meditation with lunch!  Maybe only rain will drive me back in without the support I need.  When asked what I have done today, "Spring cleaning," always seems to keep further questions at bay.