Beneath My Feet

Meewasin Park next to Bessborough Hotel, downtown Saskatoon, Feb. 2021 Wobbly and unsure at first, I grew more comfortable gliding over the sometimes bumpy patches of ice. The twinkle lights and the wood fire at the outdoor skating area overlooking the river were charming and nostalgic. I had been leery to dust off the ice skates and give it a go. Turns out, it was a fun change and challenge!  Routines and habits can be healthy. They save us from overwhelming decision-making. But, we can forget other creative ways to step outside the box, or house... literally. Our routine of x-country skiing was fabulous. However, when conditions suddenly changed, we were reminded to try new things -- even during a pandemic. How about an online Qi Gong, Art, or Thai cooking class? Snowshoe or start a blog (yikes!)... Let your hair go grey, paint a wall purple and your finger nails blue. Fast for a full day, or jigsaw a 1000 piece puzzle (you know who you are). Do a virtual marathon, paddle board, ...

Our daughter, Mackenzie's feet. Near Rishikesh, India, March 2020. Mackenzie is our seeker who often travels solo... my grey hairs emerge. In a quiet respite from the bustling, colourful cities of India, she looks out over the Ganges River and green Himalayan foothills, sipping spiced tea and catching up on her journal. Little did she know that in 2 weeks a world pandemic would be declared, and she would struggle to find a flight home. Tomorrow is her birthday! I write her this verse with a story behind every line ...       Sometimes the terrain is rocky and slopes steep. (Camino, Spain)        Sometimes the water is deep and waves extremely rough. (Croatia)       Sometimes the jungle is thick and its interior very dark. (Thailand)       Sometimes you must ask for help and be surprised by the kindness of strangers. (India)       Your courageous heart is your compass. Trust it to keep you steady and safe....

A seashell and coral heart -- a lovely gift left on the beach. Gili Trawangan Island, Indonesia, found Feb. 14, 2018 Open your heart. Welcome in all the people and circumstances of your life. Then, gather up all the kindness, love and generosity into your heart and give it away... let it go.  ~ Peter Daishin Renner I've practiced meditation for many years. During the past months I've appreciated live  (Zoom) guided meditations   from a gifted teacher, a "monk in the world", living in Victoria (introduced to me by my sister). The above words are his.  

Don't you love it when your fellow Canadians exaggerate about how bitterly cold it gets here in the winter? Sure, sure..."At least 40 degrees below zero, not including wind chill... that's in Celsius you know, and uphill both ways, everyday! " I was recently forwarded the old Monty Python song "Always look on the bright side of life... da dum, dee dum, dee dum." A reminder that if we are to be isolated anyway, how lucky are we to be safe and cozy indoors with a steaming cup of chai tea, reading Sue Monk Kidd's  Book of Longings (longing to be somewhere tropical) wearing cheery flannel PJ's all day and the snuggly knit slippers that were gifted for Christmas? Today, glancing out at the deceivingly sunny and crisp blue sky, I sing to myself "... da dum, dee dum, dee damn cold!" Whistle along!