Finding Joy by Noticing The World Around You - Lisa E Betz
Paying attention to the world around you is one way to practice mindfulness. As you begin to observe closely the natural world – the animals (that we love and find a nuisance!), the plants, trees, flowers, grasses, the changing light, sky, temperature – it’s possible to then become aware of your own internal life and landscape.
Several summers ago, watching my sweet puppy sitting on the lawn I experienced this connection. She was completely relaxed, and time slowed down as I observed her, observing the world. Her confidence and ease stirred something in me, a longing that had been there a while but that I couldn’t articulate until I saw this dog, basking in the sunshine.
What a gift, to witness something in nature that connected with something inside of me.
As we are able to slow down and pay attention to the world around us, we open ourselves to possibilities and gifts just waiting to be received! I hope this poem encourages you to notice the world around you in your own precious life.
Penny, who is lying in the sun
Golden light, having thrown off night’s chill
sprawls luxuriously over you.
As a majestic beast on the Serengeti, you
relax supine, poised to sniff the air and to receive
your subjects—slender blades of gold and green,
cheerful citizens content to bow and sway in your presence.
A crimson guest chitters at the feeder, his voice
tumbling and cartwheeling with the same
exuberance that roly-poly honey-colored offspring might;
it barely registers a flick of your silky and royal ear.
If this were another life, you might have a pride
of creatures to protect and feed and survey and groom.
But it’s only this life, sunshine on a yard that waits patiently
to be mowed and trees that begin to shed summer’s
work with a hint of future glory.
And I think maybe you have something to teach me
about being the king of this life.
Jennifer A. Drummond is a poet and spiritual director who devours books – by the pool in summer and by the fireplace in winter. She lives on the North Shore of Massachusetts with her husband, two teens and one golden pup, searching for beauty all around. Her first book Poems and Prayers for the Seasons, from which the poem and image are taken, is available now and can be purchased here.
Through retreats, small groups or one on one, she loves to create space for people to encounter God. Connect with her at www.jadrummond.com
