A Beautiful Begining

The beginning can set the tone of the entire day so take a moment to think about it. 

Choose one word, perhaps the first word that comes to mind, of how you want to feel, be or accomplish today. 

My word today is "creative".  I want to feel creative and be creative.

Realistically,  my day involves laundry and cleaning the house. But for breakfast I'm trying a new recipe... chive and cream cheese omelets for Flyboy & me. I also hope to get some blog posts done and work on Hawk's Honor.

But for now, I'll start my day and set the tone. I take a deep breath, enjoy the moment and say the word " Creative."

My Morning Has Gone To The Dogs

 Or at least one dog.

Mornings are the same each day... yoga, fill the feeding stations for the wildlife then walk the dog. I started this routine this spring after our chocolate lab passed away. My girl Maggie needed more "Momma Time". The vet says my 13-yr old girl is healthy for her age considering a bit of arthritis in her spine and the beginnings of liver failure. To slow the aging process,  my lab takes meds in the morning with breakfast and two daily walks.

Benefits of walking for both human and dog include improved cardiovascular fitness, lower blood pressure, stronger muscles and bones as well as decreased stress. When hubby is home he often joins us for the strolls. This time is perfect for holding hands and talking.

Maggie often points out wonderful things in nature - animal tracks or scat, turkeys, deer, lovely flowers, babbling streams, making our senses come to life.

Next time you walk your dog or simply taking a stroll, notice what's around you. Look for the little things. Take time to breathe deep. If you're with your honey, use this opportunity to walk in silence and simply BE.

Maggie used to visit nursing homes and rehab centers.

Research has shown that being around a dog can lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol and dampen other physiological stress responses. The effect is so strong that service dogs are sometimes used to help war veterans manage PTSD.Apr 17, 2014

Dog Walking Has Psychological Benefits for You | Psychology ...

Noisy Morning Meditation

I woke earlier than normal and my fibromyalgia pain wouldn't let me return to a cozy slumber. Grabbing my yoga mat, I headed to the deck for a bit of stretching and meditation. 

The noise of the morning became to distracting and I found myself watching the drama unfold in my backyard as one would watch TV. 

Grab a cup of coffee and join me on the deck.

Shhhh... watch and listen.

Hear the fox squirrels making a ruckus running up and down old oaks.  Oh, those red squirrels fighting for dominance and territory are loud. Look, there's a rabbit loping through the chaos looking for breakfast. Listen to turkey hen softly clucking, to announce her arrival. Penny thinks she's special. Twigs are snapping and old dried leaves on the forest floor are crunching, but we can't see what is making the noise.

A Blue Jay's shrill call carries across the tree tops, causing everyone to go on alert for a moment. 

 Two fox squirrels stand to look at with curiosity us while Penny eats. 

A harvester spider joins me on my yoga mat.

I'm definitely not alone and I find this noisy morning to be incredibly amazing. 

I'm relaxed, refreshed, and recharged. 

If your heart is heavy or your mind is dark, take a few moments to step outside. 

Close your eyes and simply breathe. 

Listen to the sound around you. What do you hear? Human traffic? Wildlife? Nature? You will find, you are never alone but a small part of a wonderful big world.

Try getting up earlier than normal some morning. Enjoy the new experience.  

Grab a hot beverage and your honey, absorb your environment.