“Good Morning!” Personified
In last week’s post, I encouraged us all to take five breaths and tune in to the present. To take five minutes of action to generate good energy rather than five minutes that might only deplete us. Read that post here.
Just 300 seconds. Or just 30 seconds is a good start too. Take in nature, the great outdoors, our amazing earthly home. Nature never disappoints me. The fresh air and whatever weather is being dished up that day refresh and rejuvenate me, even when nothing else is really up for the job. It both humbles and heartens me to witness the vastness of our planet and the simplicity of a few strands of grass waving in a breeze.
I have had an extra abundance of outdoor time in recent days. My husband Darcy and I took a walk with friends in a beautiful bluff area along the Mississippi River. I spent two days with over eighty 7th graders and several other adults near the shores of the spectacular St. Croix River. I went for a welcome solitary run on the trail near our home, also along the Mighty Mississippi.
During a five-minute stretch of my run that day, I experienced “Good morning!” personified.” Sharing friendly greetings with others who were enjoying the outdoors early on a breezy morning. Smiles and kindness among fellow humans. So simple and yet so profound. One human to another, no names or political opinions needed, just an awareness that we are all here, sharing space and time. Awareness that a sense of connection, even a few seconds of it, helps build us all up and heal our communities, even if just a little.
As I continued on my way, I caught a glimpse of a fish, jumping out of the water. Then, I watched as it returned to the water and the ripples widened out. Little fish, big ripples. “Good morning!” personified. Just like the spoken “good mornings” expanded the reach of compassionate humanity, the fish and the ripples personified what kindness can do, what friendly greetings can generate.
Take 3, 30 or 300 seconds. If we all just take a moment to notice nature and our fellow humans, ripples begin and start to grow. Capture a picture if you wish, like this one from my run last weekend. Most importantly though, capture the spirit of shared humankind. “Good morning!” and have a good day!
