The results of the latest poll about simple pleasures was overwhelmingly in favour of time with friends or family. In keeping with the spirit of this result, today's post is all about family. I spent the day with my darlings and husband doing what most would consider the 'everyday'. However, if you look closer...pause...become mindful, you can hear that there is very little in our lives that is everyday. Today, provided some great examples of how quiet attention can tell you things about your life.
In the morning I helped my daughter construct valentine cards and treats to take to school on Monday for a Valentine's celebration. While doing this I was aware that she is changing, she can write many words on her own now, she contributed several good ideas about how to package the treat and card together, and we had a discussion about friends and the students in her class that was indicative of her establishing her own relationships, and was rather mature. I listened closely and noticed she is no longer my baby (okay she will always be my baby!) she is a young girl with ideas, assertions, relationships of her own. Talking to her had a qualitatively different feel, more grown-up words, more grown-up topics, more complexity. Yikes!
We also spent the morning at gymnastics, it was the first class my youngest has ever taken where it was not parent-participation. In fact, my husband and I sat behind glass in a separate room watching things unfold. She went out onto the floor without us, even though she told us previously she wanted us to come (and we agreed). She held her sisters hand and off she went. She followed instructions, smiled and met a new friend (a boy no less!). I was noticing her level of courage, confidence and independence. There were times her face said, she was scared or unsure (so I went to off her a hug - and she accepted). She returned following our brief hug and was wonderful. She held hands with her new friend (the boy), walked the balance beam herself and said after "I had fun and want to come again!" I was so proud of her and felt a tinge of sadness as she too becomes independent, free spirited and herself. Yikes!
Today I am thankful for the whispering and change of life. I am grateful for the time and mental space to notice, think and share how the everday is. . . well, extraordinary.
What is today whispering to you?
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