Breezes

People were walking themselves, their kids, their dogs. Neighbor downstairs was on her patio, summer sun visor in place making it possible for her to read in the bright sunshine. Ducks were squawking as they positioned themselves on the melting river ice. I stood on my deck, facing southwest into the sunshine, braced against the railing with eyes closed. Daylight saving time, 4:15 p.m. I noticed the gentle breeze only occasionally made the wind-chime sound above me, but strengthened  sometimes and waved the flag enough for me to hear it from half a block away. A train sounded from across the river and noisely travelled south through town. 


A glorious and atypical March 11 in central Minnesota. 


What was I thinking? Quite a few things actually came in and out of my mind.  But I tried to stay in the moment, and even wish myself to slimness as the sun washed away the cold of winter. Yes, I ought to go down for a walk in the park. But at least I was standing up here!


And I was doing something useful: I was busy  being, and soaking in all the peace I could.  I was mindful of the Syrians who had recently helped four journalists escape across the border to safety, leaving two of their dead colleagues behind; I thought about people I know whose health still needs to cross safe borders; I thought about some things that worry me; I realized that just wanting and praying for peace, security, health, justice (and even slimness)  is not sufficient.  But it is a start.  Awareness, alertness, compassion, thankfulness and a discerning honest heart really can jumpstart the changes necessary for another fabulous day of limitless positive potential.  Otherwise, my life is a total waste. And the gentle breeze might just as well be stagnant air.