Here comes the sun...

Did you ever notice that the majority of people have a notable reaction to the sun? People smile more, we're more active, our perspectives lean more toward the positive, problems don't seem so big or bad...I know this is true for me.

The first truly warm day of the spring/summer just brings me to life. I am instantly renewed with a sense of the things that matter in life. I think of river floating, camping, time with family and the blissful feeling of laying in the sand with the sun warming me. I see it happen to people all around me when the sun comes.

It makes me recognize the oneness, the unique connection we have with the world around us. Like how our bodies are made up largely of water, and how the moon controls the tides. This realization makes me more aware of the unique connection we should share with all humanity. I am aware of such a focus on SELF coming at me from all angles. In the media, in music, in movies and in societies general focus.

We're hearing that you have to look out for yourself, stand up for yourself, protect yourself, take care of yourself, support yourself. By the way, doesn't the definition of the word 'support' sort of indicate a lack of being able to do it yourself? Or is that just me? (LOL) So yes, all of those things are necessary, but do we have forget all about everyone else in the mean time? I am not talking just about your family, friends etc...We are "naturally" inclined to love our blood, right? Or do we just love them with the intensity that we do, because we know them; We've build bonds with them, we've shared our lives with them?

Since I've moved to Seattle I see a lot more people that don't appear to have much. There are more men and women on the corners here with signs, and they are on more corners. I used to say that I didn't live in Seattle because of all the crazy people that lived here. My mind forms all these immediate judgments to everything I see. Including people. I'm learning to observe my thoughts, question them, and stop listening to them when I don't agree.

I catch myself judging, liking, disliking, comparing, justifying, questioning, blaming, hoping, regretting, reminiscing, worrying, fearing and planning ALL THE TIME. I'm becoming more and more aware of the incessant thinking that goes on, which accomplishes nothing, besides taking me out of the very moment that is the only thing I have; right now. I am learning the art of focus and appreciation for, right now. The sounds I'm hearing, the way something looks or feels. It's pretty awesome. Everything slows down. I feel the sun, the wind, water on my skin and feel intensely happy, and at peace.

Unhappiness is largely created by our resistance to what is. It doesn't have to be good or bad. We don't HAVE to like, or dislike it. It just is at it is. Resistance is wasted energy. Take that energy and share it with someone instead. I spent some time talking with a homeless woman this week who really needed to know that someone, anyone cared about her... just because she was a person. In the past, had I seen an apparently homeless woman crying on a bench, I would have wanted to stop. But I would have kept on walking. I robbed myself of many opportunities this way, I am sure. But today, I didn't.