The Picture Window

{Originally posted 2/23/2013}

My new home boasts a small picture window. It peers out at a scene that could be mistaken for a  painting. The big stalk of a pine tree is offset to the left with a crumbling rock wall cascading in front of it. The ivy wends it way up the slight slope and pine needles and leaves litter the winter floor. It's a dream come true for me.

My living room couch is positioned to look out this window and I can tell it appreciates it. I can tell, because it welcomes me with open arms to join it in reverence during morning meditation.

On this particular morning, the snow began falling just about day break. Slight flurries drifted on occasion and as the incense stick slowly burned down, I would open my eyes to discover the changing scenery. Each time, something new presented itself--little chickadees darting in and out, scratching for a morning meal; large Stellar Jays bullying their way to the food; a sideways snow flurry; a bit of sunlight; and on.

Without a concern, care or comment, the window frame held and revealed it all.

Resting in the Buddha nature, the rest unfolds...

Much like the window frame, I position myself to hold it all: the busy mind full of doubts about whether I will get to purchase this house and make it my home; thoughts of Shyla's recent passing and the tenderness my heart holds of her; the myriad tasks needing done for the Co-op, the house, or my clients; and on.

While I try to match the dignified dispassionate stillness of the window, I've built in a compassion factor for my witnessing. Tenderly holding my experience with a caring heart, I mimic the window frame--willing to hold it all. Not  needing to push or pull anything into or out of the picture. Arising, passing away. Arising, passing away.

This practice of acceptance of the unhindered sensory input, thoughts and feelings is a journey like no other. It creates a freedom from desire that leaves me not not wanting; a little freer from needing to attain; a little more open to receive what draws into view.

It helps to remember: forget what I think I'm looking for and to pay attention to what is in this moment. In this, I receive the gifts of the present.

~JoAnn Saccato, MA, is a mindfulness teacher, life coach, author and consultant. Mindfulness is a popular health and wellness practice based on purposefully paying kind, non-judgmental attention to direct experience. It is a scientifically proven approach that helps reduce stress and stress-related illnesses, increase focus and attention, decrease incidences of and relapses with depression, reduce anxiety, reduce relapses in addiction, and aids in sleep and digestive disorders. It has also been shown to increase well being, life satisfaction and happiness, as well as improved social relationships. You can reach her at [email protected] . To follow JoAnn and receive a free guided loving kindness meditation and webinar to help you sleep better, visit: www.MindfulAndIntentionalLiving.com

A portion of proceeds from Ms. Saccato's work are donated to efforts to rescue Asian elephants in the entertainment field from abusive treatment.