Acute Awareness, Orchestrated

Yesterday morning at 5:00 a.m., I was out for a run in my neighborhood. By the time I reached the first turn, about four minutes in, I realized I hadn’t yet noticed a car passing. Even that early there’s usually a few vehicles going by. I became acutely aware of the lack of vehicle noise and tuned into my own footfalls and breathing, the insects I could hear, and a couple of lawn sprinklers.

I was nearly nine minutes into my run before a car went by, and then there was the usual sporadic traffic. Still, I was blessed with those few moments of acute awareness. I really noticed the shadows I created, and the trees and streetlights. This awareness came on the heels of looking at the topic for the next Rivertown Gratefulness Gathering I will host on September 21. The topic is “Awakening Our Senses.”

In the dark of early morning, it was a little eerie, but also mystical and much appreciated. I thought about the people who did drive past in their cars. Were they early or late? Was this their usual route? How did it happen that I had nine minutes to myself?

Those few moments of heightened presence were also a result of the mindful awareness I have been practicing more regularly in recent years. My mind was not overflowing with thoughts and I wasn’t overthinking, so I was able to be fully present to this quiet orchestrated just for me. Another morning I may have missed it all.

The rest of my run was spent in rhythm with my footfalls and in writer’s flow, composing what I had just experienced and the start of this post. Endorphins times two. Just what I needed.

Pause today when you have a few minutes. Pick one of your senses. Tune in with full attention. What will you notice and appreciate?