Tranquility Workshops Blog

Lately, one of the special moments of my day is stopping by the neighborhood lilac bush, watching it ever-so-slowly come to maturity.  Now, I’m not talking about just stopping to take a quick look at it.  I spend several minutes using my senses to take in the entirety of it:  the rich, deep purple color and shape of the flowers;  the delicate, fragrance of the flower in it’s early stages;  the softness of the small petals;  the smoothness of it’s leaves.

Every year I think about getting a lilac bush of my very own, but I never acted on it.  Well, there’s no time like the present, so this is the year!   I went to the local nursery, to look over what they had for sale.  They had many with light purple flowers, and some with white ones, but I notice that those don’t bring out that special feeling in me,   And then…..there it was!  A small, deep purple lilac bush, with flowers that are just starting to bloom.  I actually said: “You’re coming home with me!” 

Once I got home, I took time to ponder the prefect place for it, and had a great time planting, nourishing and watering it.  This was time and money well-spent, because from this point on, I’ll be out there several times a day,  using it as the focus for a “mindful moment” meditation.  Once the flowers are gone, I’ll have to wait until next spring to enjoy them again.  It seems that the impermanence of things, really makes me appreciate them all the more. When things are “always there”, we tend to take them for granted.   Enjoy everything while you have the opportunity.  Always be on the look-out for things that give you “that special feeling”.

Last night, I spent time with some wonderful friends at Starbucks, fully enjoying their presence, interesting conversation, hugs, lots of laughter, and a cappuccino. 

And last, but not least, I want to mention that throughout the day, I had wonderful interactions and phone conversations with family members and friends, all of whom are so important to me……and I treasure every moment that I’m with them and/or talking to them.  Doesn't it feel so good when you know people really care about you?  Giving love to people feels even better!

Mindful of lots of feel-good moments today!