“We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures.” – Thornton Wilder
As we enter this new season, it is easy to be carried away with holidays, shorter days and our ‘to-do’ lists growing longer and longer. Or perhaps this is a season where our thoughts are dominated by ‘what used to be’ or ‘what we hoped would be different this year.’ We feel a sense of disappointment, aloneness or isolation.
But, our mindfulness training can help us cultivate a different way to meet this season. We can expand our repertoire of how we meet this time of year by being more attentive to the autopilot way we are going through the days, or thinking about the season, and making more conscious choices to notice what is here, and how we want to meet it.
A fundamental part of that noticing is an ability to become more ‘conscious of our treasures’ as Thornton Wilder reminds us. The treasures that are right here, right now—a measure of health, a family, a pet, a friend, a warm meal, a strong faith, the sounds of a beautiful piece of music, or the warm glow of a candle. The list is endless.
What are your treasures?
You might find it useful to experiment with this reflection in your practice: begin by sitting comfortably and attending to the sensations of the breath, allow your eyes to gently close. As your mind and body settle into the stillness, ask yourself this simple question—what are my treasures?—and allow the responses to arise from deep within you.
Once you discover, or rediscover, your treasures, see if you can make a conscious choice to keep them at the center of your thoughts this season. Your treasures are the experiences or people that nourish you, bring you joy and keep you connected to what really matters.
And that, after all, is what shifting seasons are all about – turning the next chapters of our beautiful lives
Peace and Love, Jim
