Learning to See

​I often observe my horses standing in complete stillness, as if meditating.  In truth they are being watchful, gazing intently at their surroundings seeing every movement of each blade of grass and movement of the delicate Aspen leaves.  In part, their vigilance keeps them safe, aware of any potential danger, but seeing also teaches them how to live. 

Their is a wave of "Mindfulness" unfolding everywhere.  It is present in everything from therapeutic sessions to schools.  Being unaccustomed to this way of being, we have to be "taught" to become still and hold the very present moment.  I find I can learn how to be present by merely mirroring the behaviors of my horses.  They are content just to "be" rather than to "become." 

I have recently become aware of all that I have missed in my life by simply not valuing stillness, not allowing myself to truly see.  I began sitting in nature, observing all the nuances of a tree, a leaf or the earth.  I started to see patterns, textures, and movement.  Once my eyes started truly opening, I could see more deeply into myself and began uncovering messages, once hidden. 

You don't have to quite your job or career pursuits to begin to "see."  I leave a few minutes early for work each day so that I can stop at the river for five minutes to simply breathe and allow my eyes to feast on the beauty I find there.  It would seem that every day would hold the same sights, and it can look very much the same each day.  But if you look deeper you will find that it is really like a magical treasure hunt with new gems unfolding before your eyes.