Well, it is
finally, really and truly summer here in Austin and I have to admit that I LOVE
the hot weather! I have therefore been spending as much time as possible
outside soaking up the sun. While I know that not everyone shares my love of
the Texas summer heat, I do want to encourage each of you to spend some time
outside every day. Go for a walk, drink your morning coffee on the back deck, ride
your bike around the block, work in the garden, etc. Just don’t forget the
sunscreen!
If you are
also looking for a really powerful way to spend some time to yourself and enjoy
the great outdoors, I highly recommend doing a walking meditation. While there
are many variations of walking meditations, I like to simply get outside, walk
around my block, breathe fully, and notice everything going on around me. I notice
the beautiful flowers and trees, the clouds in the sky, the squirrels, cats,
and deer that cross my path, the birds singing in the trees, etc. This therefore
becomes a basic practice in being completely present. If you notice your mind starting
to wander to your plans for the day or a big presentation at work just gently
steer your thoughts back to the sights, sounds, and smells in the world around
you. While you can do this at any time of the day, meditating in the morning
around dawn is the most potent time for meditation. It is during this quiet,
magical time that we are the most clear and receptive to contemplative
practices, like meditation. Let me know how it goes!
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