It is a Monday

The day began just as all Mondays begin. I wake up, work out and fill my day with any errands or "necessaries" that have cropped up on my daily planner. However, today, as I continue on my growing journey I decided to really look at my world. This morning, I noticed that the geese that seem to be circling the skies in perpetuity were really quite noisy. Their sounds filled the morning air and brought a sense of life to the quiet. Their vee's cut amazing lines in the orange sunrise and made what is really a very monotonous vista more geometric. I have tried over these past five years to put Georgia O'Keefe in my head and have her sense of the colors translate into my brain. I sense that this scene was one such example of her excitement in the landscape of this country. I discovered that she lived for a time in Lubbock, Texas, and studied and taught here. The home in which she lived is near the university and is every bit the home of an artist -- since past but the structure still bearing the mien of an artist. For the briefest of moments, this landscape spoke to me. And I have made this my growing point for today.

I think that for the most part, I must be like most people -- so intent on my routine that I forget to stop and look or listen. Even a totally blank wall can be interesting with a shadow cast upon it by a passing glimpse of sunshine. So, as I write, I am watching the dead leaves in the tree outside of my window shake in the wind and give life to the branches upon which they are attached. The sky is a light blue with wisps of clouds that seem to sit, unmoving in the distance. I am taking that moment to look at where I am and see it. Really look at it. Now, so much is still not my idea of beautiful, but it is not without redeeming features.

While in class this morning, I concentrated on my instructor and had the best time listening to her upbeat directions and stories, all the while lifting her arms and kicking her legs. What a great spirit she brought to what could be considered "drugery"! I decided to take that spirit with me today and make even "going to the grocery store" an exciting time. When you smile, everything is better.

Now this is very easy at this particular time. Christmas is a time of smiles and happiness. The music brings such great joy to all. The decorations are inspiring and the "Christmas Spirit of Giving" is felt by all. So, I do take this as another inspiration in my day and I am definitely using it!

If I could bottle this spirit, I would keep it on hand for the darker days that come at times. But, these days are important too - for the bad days make you appreciate the good ones even more. So, on day two of my journey, I have begun to take a chance and stop a moment. I have begun to look at, really look at what surrounds me. I will look beyond something and see what lies beneath -- that is to say, there must be more than meets the eye!
I want to smile when I see someone and really mean it. Reaching out with my heart as well as my mind will help me get those roots -- in any place I am planted. It can be a city, a town, a house, a room, an office, a street corner, and anyplace in between. Grow when you breathe. Grown when you wake and continue to grow with every hour your are blessed to be alive.

For today, I am trying. And it is just Monday....