Enjoying Life

I'm blessed to live close to several parks here in Germantown, Ohio. Ohio in spring is wonderful. I go to the park often to think. It's the closest thing to meditation for me that I have been able to achieve. Today is a Sunday in the park, and it is one of those gorgeous, cool days we get in spring. Fluffy clouds in the sky, and a slight breeze coming through the trees. The park is busy with life, but it is that kind of life that doesn't care about the goings on in the world. My favorite thing to watch are the pussy willows that sail through the sky. It is like nature's marathon. Thousands of cottony floaters taking to the sky to find a place to rest and take root. I especially admire those entrants that hit the high air currents and just keep going. They aren't especially interested in finding the first patch of grass to settle in. They are looking for the ultimate resting spot, so they keep on flying.

There is a blue heron that frequently visits the pond on our property in the warmer times of the year. Our pond has lots of fish and plenty of places for birds to nest, but the blue heron has never stayed for long. He floats in and checks out the fish, but he gets restless then takes off in full flight again after a short time. While I'd love to see him stay longer, I admire that he is never satisfied to stay put just because there is a comfortable spot to hang out. It makes his visits special. I'm always excited to see him when he graces us with his presence.

There is a river in Florida that I used to visit on vacations from college with friends. The river, The St. Johns, flows north. It is a semi-unique fascination of nature. I always thought this was cool. Rivers are supposed to flow south in the northern hemisphere, but this one just doesn't. In India, I'm sure there would be some spiritual reason for this, and I know there is some logical, scientific reason for the phenomenon. I'm not too concerned with why though. It's enough that the river flies to it's own purpose.

Sometimes I think life is just too complicated. In nature, there is purpose even though it is instinctive. There are few distractions. Just purposeful movement with specific focus. I have to remind myself of this from time to time. We humans think too much about things that really don't matter. We have distractions all of the time that pick at our conscience and cause us to feel anxious, guilty, jealous, competitive, angry, or other destructive feelings.

My husband and I had dinner with some friends recently that really brings this thought home. This couple lives across the road from us. They have had the model happy life. Their home site is wonderful. It is 20 acres of trees with a pond. They have made their home into the place they always wanted. Recently, the wife was diagnosed with a "dead spot" in her brain. She is starting to forget things and gets confused frequently. It has come on quickly and stress makes it worse. In the last year, we have seen her change from a confident and beautifully vibrant woman to a much more timid and careful person. They are selling the home they thought they would retire in and moving South to a community for over 55-ers where they can have lots of activities and medical care on the spot if needed. They have also systematically cut ties with many of their previous friends that were negative or caused them stress. I'm thrilled to be among those friends that they find uplifting. We had a wonderful dinner together rehashing old times and laughing a lot. I also applaud them for simplifying their life together, so they can fly as close to happiness for the remainder of their productive time as a couple.

None of us know what lies ahead. The older I get, I realize that what makes us happy and healthy and then pursuing it is what makes each of us fly. I look for inspiration in lots of places these days. Being creative is one of things that gives me a lot of happiness. I hope each of you find your inspirations, never settle for the first patch of fertile grass, and enjoy your long journey of flight.