Have you ever sat in silence, affording yourself the opportunity to focus on a moment – or longer? Fully immersed yourself in simply being?
It’s a ritual of mine to reflect after almost all occasions, to sit comfortably and allow myself to relax physically, while mentally exploring the recesses of my soul. This involves recalling experiences, deep contemplation, and a cascade of feelings that don’t require validation, but rather a time when answers are revealed effortlessly. These are fluid moments in time when the thinking cap is removed, letting the soul speak.
Tonight, my fur-child was curled up on my lap. The sounds from her and the body tremors clearly demonstrated that she was in a deep sleep. Little puffs of air, squeaks, and moans. Quivering nose, paws, and ears.
She was lost in her dreams, safe and sound, fully trusting in her surroundings with no apprehension at all.
Concluding three days of decorating for the holidays, my moving swiftly throughout our home with adept speed to ensure we were ready for Thanksgiving, my little darling succumbed to exhaustion and was able to find comfort and peace with her human.
No longer was holly falling off the door-casings or the drummer boy hat crashing to the floor from the decorative fox – my tape job an obvious failure. The boxes were no longer in the hallway and the commotion had ceased – so she slept, so peacefully that I found myself lost in her innocence, trust, and co-dependence. It was a beautiful moment, words could never capture what I was feeling, and I was totally in love and in awe of this little fur ball on my lap. She is my best friend, my roommate, my family. She’s ridiculously timid, but I wouldn’t trade her sweetness for anything, as high-maintenance as she is. That little one doesn’t just have my heart – she is my heart.
Those moments focused on Viv’s sleep were inflated with so much more. Those moments were made up of an inner depth and richness that made me wealthier than any other human on earth – so it felt. I was filled with gratitude, thanks, and humility. I also found that I appreciated relationships that I may have misunderstood before.
When we are brutally honest with ourselves, willing to see our shortcomings and admit to our insecurities or failures, the freedom and peace we feel is liberating.
It’s only then when we no longer crave tomorrow – we are simply grateful for today.
