SLOW DOWN: Transitions Ahead – #104

Are transitions difficult for you?

This year the days following the change to Daylight Savings time haven’t seemed as disrupted.

My secret?

Slowing down.  Deciding the week was not going to be as productive as usual, deciding to accept this, deciding not to fight it. 

Taking advantage of a 62 degree day with sun and minimal wind.   Walking slowly, camera in hand, ready to receive images. Remembering Christine Valters Paintner’s suggestion to walk in a contemplative manner and look for the gift of what “shimmers”.

On the sidewalk, a large sycamore leaf shimmered for me.  

I walked a few steps forward and heard a distinct swooshing noise. Did my leaf move? (Notice how quickly I became possessive.) 

I backed up to where I had received the leaf and here’s what I saw:

I wondered where my gift had gone. 

Walking a a few steps to the east I found it – it had turned over and looked quite cozy in its new home:

I went back to my office basking in the mystery of this occurrence. This small incident made me feel contented and connected to Nature and myself.  The rest of the afternoon I was a bit drowsy but that was to be expected.  

When you are facing a transition, remember to slow down. Relax your expectations. Breathe deeply. Look for what shimmers for you.

Thanks for exploring this transition mystery – Nicky Mendenhall

*Eyes of the Heart (2013) Christine Valters Paintner