Embracing the Sweet Spots

Yesterday something weird happened. I woke up to the lilting sound of birdsong and a brilliant sunshine streaming through the window and smiled (while still in bed!). When I opened the curtains, my smile broadened  at the blooming flowers in the yard, and I noticed I was humming an indistinct melody.  Then my attention shifted to my stiff knees as they slowly awakened, and I thanked them for their efforts in spite of working without cartilage.

Then it all came together. “Woah, wait a minute. What’s up?” I thought. “Waking up with a smile? Humming, in the morning nevertheless? Thanking my knees? Am I losing it, or could it be that I’m actually… gasp … happy?

Hold on, let me confirm. I scanned my body for any heavy sensations or sad thoughts lurking in my head. Nope, not there. It’s true. In that moment I felt delightfully light; actually, I felt happy. Ahhhh… A most welcomed state after four years of  grief from several heart wrenching losses

A decade ago, I would have jumped for joy (I could still jump then 🙂 at being happy, telling myself that the worst of times were over and the good times are back. But my wiser middle age self knows better. My happy state, welcome as it is, is definitely indefinite.

I also know from experience that there’s no guarantee that, just because I suffered several crushing losses, there isn’t another one right around the corner. But with the awareness of this sad reality, or rather precisely because of it, I will continue to savor every second of this precious sweet spot.

I credit my meditation practice with helping me savor happiness. I probably wouldn’t be feeling my current lightness without having embraced the heavy grief. My emotions and physical sensations needed their time to move through me.

Thankfully, my years of sitting and being present to boredom, anxiety, sadness, fear, annoyance, joy, gratitude and a million hours of fidgeting paid off when I most needed it. I had the tools and experience  to fully “be” with the intensity of my sorrow  and gain fortitude and strength in the process. And… I have those same tools to fully “be” with my joy. Om to that!

Whether you are going through a difficult patch, in a sweet spot, or somewhere in between, I encourage you to experience the richness of the moment with presence. And I promise you don’t have to sit cross-legged for an hour to do so. All you have to do is:

Notice if the quality of the moment shifted when you “returned.” It’s truly  that simple. And, if you want a richer, deeper experience, consider attending my upcoming Mini Meditation Retreat. It is beautiful and often magical to meditate in community, especially a community of women. And check out my weekly women’s guided meditation group on zoom on Thursdays from 8:30-9am PT. All levels welcome to both.

Wishing you all an April awash with flowers, health and presence to whatever is blooming in your life this very moment… including happiness.