I think my senses abound during this time of year.  My mindful practice seems to be more acute.  Birds outside my window waking me in the morn... grasses between my toes... dirt under my fingernails... the anticipation of the emergence of the seedlings I just planted.  Oh, and the asparagus plants we fortunately planted those lo 18 years ago!!!!

Sometimes, my enthusiasm falls on deaf ears as I try not to 'push' my mindfullness onto some unwitting friends.  I just hope that they see how mindfullness and living well and healthful can truly have rewards.  Seeing is believing!!!!  I wish them well. 

I try to practice mindfulness as well.  I studied with a teacher who was a student of Jon Kabat-Zinn.  His whole philosophy is about mindfulness and meditation.  Did you happen to read his book?

Now is a fine time to practice with all that is blooming and coming alive for summer.  I sit out on my patio when I am grilling and just observe how quiet it is and how relaxed I try to feel.  ( I have two small boys) so that doesn't always happen. 

I'm going to try and relax and enjoy more.  I want to take my boys to the beach and frolic in the sand.  Part of me wants to return to a simpler way of life.  We get to caught up with all the things we have to do and the places we have to go.  I don't want a timetable or schedule.

The name of the book is "Full Catastrophe Living", by Jon Kabat-Zinn, Ph.D.  Using the Wisdom of Your Body and Mind to Face Stress, Pain and Illness.

I read it awhile ago, but found it very interesting and thought provoking.  Give it a try.  Sounds like it might be for you.  Let me know what you think when you get it. 

Vicki - Thank you for suggesting "Full Catastrophe Living".  I've just finished the 2nd chapter, but you are right... an interesting read and thought provoking.  I'm excited to see if I can bring it's message into my life.  Just what I needed right now.  Thanks again.

Glad to hear I can be of some help.

I always loved to read and have gotten away from it lately.  I plan on going to Barnes & Noble and selecting some summertime reading.  I want to immerse myself in a good book and let my mind wander.

I wish I knew...I'm still searching....

any suggestions/help out there...

hmmmmm....

How bout listening to CD you never would of dreamed you'd buy or asking a new neighbor over for a refreshing drink.  I would just buy the best book and sit on the beach or lake or whatever waterfront was around and soak in the sun.  How are those suggestions.  Use your imagination.

Doing what I do for a living is not what I call living. I just do what I do so I can have money to sustain my life. I have now come to the "ME TIME!" in life. Do I want to do laundry or see the Silver Surfer? I do both! If laundry can wait I see the movie, then laundry. Last year I had plan to go to C. S. Lewis weekend retreat near Houston. I was going to leave on Friday from work. I get a call from the scheduling coordinator. I need you to work Saturday at so-n-so. Sorry I have plan I am going out of town on a retreat. "You need to clear things with me before you make your plans!" Pardon Me! Did I just hear what you said? Next was a conference call. I conference they listened. I do not plan my personal life around your needs. I work my hours and I am flexible. I fully understand the employee work relationship after 25 years. "This cowboy was high in the saddle and both guns blazing!" Needless to say I went on the retreat. Why wait til summer?

Me time-with two boys that is sometimes very hard to find.  This summer I am trying to find a way to relax, but both boys are home with me and it Camp Vicki this summer.  Needless to say, the margaritas are always ready and in the frig!!!  You are lucky you can get away-enjoy!!!

Yes, I do have a support system and a mothers helper twice a week-so things are not as dire as I made of made them seem.  It is just hard to take a time out for myself when I know that there are things to be done.  I vow to go to Barnes and Noble next week and just buy a few books for my summer reading and have a latte.