I was working in the garden. It had been raining so there was fresh clover on the path and every plant glowed emerald green. After carrying the last pile of cuttings to the compost bin, I decided it was time to try a sitting meditation. I am not a very good sitter, being entirely too wiggly by nature.
And, naturally, just as I straightened my back and put my hands into their sabbath, and lowered my eyes . . . the chain saw started. Exhale: Me: I offer my brokenness and irritation to God. Inhale: God says: I love you in your brokenness and irritation.
After some time passed, I heard the strangest whirring sound. It was like a giant hummingbird. Eyes closed, I turned my head this way and that to locate and identify the bird that made that sound. Then, with laughter, I realized it was yet another electric saw breaking the silence.
When I finished my sitting, I opened my eyes and took in the roses, the perennials, the vines that faced me in the garden. There they were: companions, friends, sending out love in every direction! For years I have cared for them and nursed them through droughts and mulched their soil. Now here, for the first time, I saw that they loved me back! A garden full of stalwart friends, blessing me, feeding me.
Welcome, friends!
Contemplative Seeing 