sound to silence

This late morning, sitting out on my back deck wrapped in a fuzzy blanket, the warm sun beaming on my face, I grew frustrated by my inability to meditate, with my mind looping through Connor, Mason, Grace, Oreo.... 

A few years ago, a friend asked me to write an article on meditation for his website. I was and am no expert on meditation, but going through the process of writing the article helped me to step into the observing place with my own meditation practices. I learned that when I am struggling to quiet my mind enough to enter a meditative state, as I was this morning, if I focus my attention on the reality going on outside of my mind, like paying attention to all the sounds that I can hear both near and far, then I have discovered the open door to escape my mental prison.

So I listened, and quickly I shifted from my obsessive thinking and feelings of frustration, sadness, worry, judgement...to this place of wonder, curiosity, and gratitude. The orchestra of life that I observed through listening was grand and magnificent. Just a few moments earlier, I wasn’t even aware of the birds singing, the rustling leaves, the dog barking in the distance, the airplane overhead, or the gentle breeze vibrating in my ear. Natural sound, or manmade, it didn’t matter, as the sounds were lively and beautiful and helped me to find presence again. Thank you sound for silencing my mind.

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On another note...

Happy Sweet 16 to my dear Gracie!

My love poem to Oreo

How do I say goodbye to my precious friend? This house and my life will feel so lonely without you.

I love how soft your fur is. Petting you comforts me.

I love the way you look into my eyes and hold your gaze. We connect through our eyes, that’s how you picked me in the first place. Gracie always says you are like a human, showing emotion through your eyes.

I love the way you stay in bed until I get up, and then stay up with me until I go to bed.

I love giving you doggie massages, and the way you trust me and relax, letting me massage the muscles and joints of your body.

I love the way you are always within viewing distance of me...you are my companion when the house is empty and quiet.

I love hiking with you. You make me feel safe. I get to share nature with another living creature who appreciates it as much as I do.

Until you came along, we rarely walked the neighborhood or chatted with our neighbors. You get us outside most every day. You get us connecting with others more regularly. And now, proudly, we are known as Oreo’s parents.

You have your quirks, no doubt, but the beauty and love that you bring to us is what prevails and shines through.

Although we didn’t have the opportunity to know you as a puppy, we are so blessed to know you as an adult and senior citizen. I love how often people comment on how cute my puppy is and are shocked to hear that you are 13 years old. So grateful for you to have had that puppy energy until the end.

We got to name you Oreo and a smile enters my face and heart every time someone says, “What a perfect name for him!”

Now I have to say goodbye. My heart is breaking. Our family will never forget the joy and the laughter and the comfort and the love that you have shared with us. Love you Oreo...forever.