I have a very stressful life, working 50 hrs/wk, taking care of 13 hunting dogs, a husband, home and yard – there is not much time for ‘me’ to be alone with my thoughts.  I’ve been hearing the word ‘Mindfulness’ a lot and it’s been sitting in my brain.  We have some time each week to devote to SkillShare through my employer and thank you for this teaching.

I had to take a friends’ truck in to get tires so that gave me a little time to read and make notes of things I wanted to accomplish before winter sets in.  When the truck was finished, I stopped at a farmers market I saw and bought some things.  One of the things I purchased was a box of peaches.

Came home and put things away and started to put up peaches and thought of …. Mindfulness.  I noticed the sharpness of the pairing knife as it cut into the peach ever so slightly to grab the skin and peel it back.  Motion by motion, peeling the skin off the peach, the juiciness of the peach, the sweetness (yes, I couldn’t resist).  Peach by peach, filling the four-cup container.  Then putting the peaches in a bowl and pouring the sugar over to set a bit and form a syrup.  (Couldn’t resist once again and noticed the very sweetness of the sugar and the peach together and the juiciness once again…mmm)

Paying attention as I poured the peach/syrup mixture into a freezer bag, squeezing all the air out and sealing.

Afterwards, I told myself to sit and rest for a bit so I went outside and sat in the shade by some flowers.  Noticing a bee going from flower to flower, gathering what it could.  Noticed the colors and intricate designs of each flower and leaf.  How beautifully and wonderfully made they all are.  It was a hot day with a bit of breeze.  The breeze, sun and humidity on the pine trees carried a faint smell of pine in the air.  What a beautiful day and I am so blessed.

 

Again, thank you for the Mindfulness teaching.  It has helped bring some grounding and peace to this stressful life.