Mindfulness, An Energy That Flows Like Water

mom waits on the dam at sunset ~d nelson

Mindfulness is the energy of being aware and awake to the present moment ~Thich Nhat Hanh

standing in big muddy

Sitting relaxing, meditatively at nearby lake with warm sunshine this winter day.
Idyllic holiday conditions for me & vacationing school children & families.

Breathing in, warm and happy
Breathing out, feeling unseasonably, short-sleeved comfortable.
Cheeks rosy, pleasurable glow.
All is most wonderful at this moment.

And, it’s not all as wonderful as it seems.
News of arctic, snowy, wet wintry conditions
somewhere distant from here; perhaps where you are.

With extremely dry conditions persisting since January 2013, local water agency’s service area is experiencing drought conditions. This declaration comes as severely low water storage levels are coupled with California’s driest year of record.
And there’s no rain in sight anytime soon
setting up the region for real hardship in the months ahead.

Mindfulness requires that, from being stably present,
we calmly learn from the past and prepare wisely for the future.
The public health professional in me reflects on the axiom
plan for the worst and work for the best.

Like most in this blogging community
I’m conserving water and energy, but can do better.
Shorter showers, minimal plant watering, a dirty car.
I’m walking and cycling more than driving.
But isn’t this bigger than me and you?
With shortages, rationing, going without,
will compassion & kindness
towards ourselves and others prevail?
What do you advice we all do now
and then?

Changes in the weather are about all of us.
Together we are one, braving uncertainty.
Ancient teachings from fully realized enlightened ones
combined with the latest scientific and technological insights
offer us personal, philanthropic and ecological guidance.

fowl bread toss

yellow sign

making a v line

nothing to dam

cloud’s continuation reflecting

exposed stump shells

useless boat ramp

you can call me Mal

Such a pleasing blue sky day,
bringing awareness back to my breath,
easing anxious feelings
and fearful thoughts.
Smiling to water fowl
& people playing in dirt and mud
where, under usual conditions,
myself and others would be paddling a kayak.
Knowing that there will be an answer
I sip lightly on a water bottle
before pedaling home.