So someone pinched me and the dream is over.

The memories remain vivid and the learning continues. Travelling taught me many things. The biggest lesson was to slow down. For there is so much to be embraced.

My wise and wonderful friend Leila describes time as an accordion. Moments can be long and stretched seeming like they will never end or squashed with far too little of it. There is music in both if we are willing to listen. So my goal on my return was to remain mindful and listen to the music. Be it a slow waltz or a fast polka.

To take extra care and fall less off the teeter totter of life. I promised myself that I would do my best to not get consumed in the ever increasing demands of life.  Instead of the mantra, “there is not enough” time or whatever else it may be; I comment on giving thanks for what I do have. To not loose focus on what is precious and true. To see the beauty and inspiration in the micro of life. To embrace the moment. To be patient with myself and others. To meditate and listen to the whispers of my heart more often.

Well, its been a month now and I am once again a hamster on the wheel of life. Wowsers, can that wheel ever pick up speed if I let it. The difference now is that I am aware of its speed. That most days the wheel is not spinning so crazy out of control. That most days I can keep the wheels speed in check and can even change directions if I wish to. Better yet, I am able to completely jump off the wheel and let it come to a complete stop. Even if only for a moment.

Breathing in the forests’ fragrance.

The sound of a song bird.

The full moon rising and the stars shimmering.

The gentle caress of the wind on my face.

The joy as a pod of dolphins jump, swim and play.

Street dancing with my son under the stars last sparkles before the sun wakes for the day.

Digging in the garden.

A friend’s laughter.

My children’s HUGS and I LOVE YOUs.

The crunchy crispness of alpine snow.

Walks with friends.

Walks in solitude.

My sons’ contagious joy of unicycles.

Dancing on hill tops.

Springs first blooms.

Dancing with patients.

The wonder of clouds.

Waking to a quiet house with a coffee and my journal.

Silence shared with someone who is dying.

A cup of tea and some poetry.

A deep awakening breath.

The difference is my awareness. I am not getting lost in the demands and chaos of everyday life as often. Life can be all consuming, or all embracing.

I choose to embrace life in all its variety and brilliance. In its harshness and its beauty.

I choose to stay mindful more often. To be true to myself and those around me.

Yes, it is a difficult balance. Yet the balance is easier to maintain if I just take that extra moment to breath and give thanks. The more I breath it all in, the more of the moment I embrace, the more brilliant and colourful the world around me is.

Everyday I wake with gratitude to the sleep and silence I did have during the night. I dream of what the day will bring.  Then I go to bed every night and believe that

I AM ENOUGH