Erkle the Talking Dog

The sound of the river covered my early morning laughter as I woke from a dream where a talking dog named Erkle was explaining how I could fly if I just followed the steps he was giving me.

Laying in my sleeping bag, looking at the pre-dawn sky, I realized what a rarity it is to wake up laughing, smiling, and feeling free.  For me, being on the water, next to the water, or in the water is my happy place.  Hearing, feeling, and breathing the movement of water, the essence of consciousness transports me into a mindful presence.  Everything slows down and I experience the freedom of being present, aware and awake. 

Surrounded and immersed in the colors, sounds, and textures of the physical world it’s easy to experience the rhythm of nature.  The symphony of life that plays in each moment in the canyons filled with birds, butterflies, sage, and yarrow awakens my respect for the interplay and interdependence of every living part of the earth. 

It becomes impossible not to recognize that I am part of a greater whole, no better or less than any other part.  There is no reaction required, rather simply listening to my breath, recognizing that I am breathing the same air as my ancestors, the dinosaurs and every creature who imprinted the earth.  Gratitude arises with ease.

Mindfulness, the practice of listening…really listening lets us step away from the need to correct, be right, win or degrade others.  When we pay attention…on purpose, and let go of judgment, it is then that respect for the dignity of all things begins to blossom. 

When we nourish our relationship to ourselves, curiosity, humility, and the ability to see the good in others, flourishes.  It allows us to respond to life’s challenges without getting overwhelmed by the stress of them.

If we want to change the trajectory of hate and violence in the world, it is up to each of us to find moments of gratitude, presence, and peace in each day to fight the energy of contempt and disrespect that prevails. 

Where is your place of ease?  It might just be right here, right now.  Closing your eyes and taking a breath.