Saturday, February 28, 2009

Bliss


Nonni set this little pig on her stool in the archway this morning – and there he sits. Very cute and quiet. It made me think about how often we don’t sit – just sit and ponder life and everything that goes on around us. In an age of cell phones, computers, blackberries and instant answers, I think we have forgotten how to wait. To just sit and contemplate nothing. When I posted the picture of Nonni swinging – that blissful moment of “Rapture” as Lisa said – it occurred to me that, that feeling was really hard for me to come by these days. I remember how it felt , that wonderful liquid feeling of all over body joy!! I wondered how did I reach that feeling before and where did it go?
As a child we lived on a farm in Tennessee. I adored it there. When I think of feeling that bliss it is there my mind goes to. I did a lot of just sitting there. We had a huge red barn & I would sit up in the loft window and read “Charlotte’s Web”. I could look down and see the story unfold before me. It was bliss. I had horses , another blissful thing for me – I adore them to this day. There was also a view of the mountains – stunning! To this day the first look at a snow covered mountain top or a beach with crashing ocean waves brings that wonderful liquid bliss I long for.
The concept of being present is everywhere today!! It is one of the tenants of Buddhism – to stay present – in the moment. Truly, when we are chasing the past or looking to the future we miss all the things that happen around us! I really believe we have to be present to feel that bliss.
John Lennon said, ”Life happens while your busy making plans.”
Yes it does, while we text , click, chat , run and plan our lives away. The stress in our lives keeps us running and we are not present. How many of us sit up in the middle of the night rethinking the days problems and stress?
So today I am going to be that little pig on the stool. Well maybe not so cute – but present. I’m going to let go of all the problems and stress and breathe my way to being in the present. Maybe just for a little while today… maybe I can find a bit of that liquid bliss. Blessings, Sarah

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

Isn't it interesting how the developing world is stressing us out, making us forget the important things in life (family, friendship, human kindness). Instead, we are obsessed with speed, accomplishing more and more, being the big winner in life! Tragic! I agree with you - we need to be more present, to live an attitude of gratitude, to simplify our lives!
Good post! Have a good weekend Sweetie.
audrey
xoxoxo

Gail H. Ragsdale said...

I understand completely Sarah! I have so much stress right now, have trouble clearing my mind to mediate. Where in TN? Anywhere near to where I am?

Heart of a Cowgirl said...

Isn't that the truth? Oh to be young and careful again... :)
Actually, when I sit outside with our bunnies in the garden or in their bunny "casa" is one of those rare moments when I can just be still..watch their little bunny interactions and completely relax.

Kathleen Coy said...

I love it, great minds... ;-)

Anonymous said...

Hello Sweet Sarah! Thanks for the query - the headache persists, but I have taken your advice and am indulging in some Tylenol! Big, big hugs to you!
Love audrey
xoxoxo

jolt said...

ehat great thoughts, I love the way you phrase it! And the swing pic is awesome! thanks for he reminder

jane augenstein said...

Sarah, what a beautiful picture you painted of your childhood. I too remember a red barn from my childhood that was on my grandparents farm. The smell of the hay, the horses eating, a kitten in the hay.......a more peaceful time and no stress then!
Thanks!

Sarah Sullivan said...

Thanks all - glad you liked it! My first rip at musings. Sarah

Unknown said...

i love musings and i love to ponder- therefor this post is a hit with me !

Renee said...

Sarah you nailed it. You are right and I want you to sit and just rest today if you can.

Maybe I can do it Wednesday, will be at the hospital for a type of chemo for my bones. I will be there about four hours so you have a good day.

Love Renee

Renee said...

Sarah let this be us today.

'So today I am going to be that little pig on the stool. Well maybe not so cute – but present. I’m going to let go of all the problems and stress and breathe my way to being in the present. Maybe just for a little while today… maybe I can find a bit of that liquid bliss. '

Thank you for your comment sweet Sarah. How was the weekend.

Love Renee xoxo