All because of car repairs...

I had to take our van in for service this morning. You know the oil change thing. I know that when you go there, there is ALWAYS something else that they find that you need. That in mind I packed a bunch of different stuff and headed to the dealership's service department planning to camp out if necessary. Little did I know I was right.

My appointment was at 9:30 am and around 11 am I had the gentleman, paperwork in hand, making the walk my way. Yes Mrs. Alexander we found x, y and z that also needs completing. So after reviewing the long list of things that were needed and a quick call to the husband they're off to do over 1K worth of work on the van I was only supposed to be bringing in for an oil change - just great! *deep sigh*

It was so noisy and glaring in the waiting area that I decided to go outside. It was lovely - temps in the low '70's, nice cool breeze and clear blue skies. A few trees are starting to turn. I made my way outside and found a bench under a pretty little Maple away from the building a bit. Ahhhh, quiet.

I sat there stressed about the unexpected costs involved with our van but also just glad just to be outside. I popped my headphones on and played my Tibetan meditation music. That coupled with the sound of the wind in the leaves and the nice breeze calmed me almost instantly. I sat there staring at the tree - thanking it for being. Seeing how beautiful the leaves were and how beautiful the sky was and closing my eyes I felt the cool breeze through my hair. Ah, this is what being present means. If I had not waited so long for my car to get fixed I would have missed this. This chance to experience and be present with nature. I would have kept on with my errands and tasks, etc..., and missed it all. How sad would that have been? I was able to leave the service department with a smile on my face simply because I had forgotten about the car and experienced being present. (okay so it may have been somewhat short-lived, but it's progress)

I'm trying to catch those moments more and more. To recognize 'heaven' as it exists; right here and now. I saw ants working, birds flying by, leaves falling and felt connected to all of them. It was really moving.

Well, hope you too get to take a few minutes and just 'be' outside.

~Peace

Michelle